Waratahs flyer in mix for Australia Sevens debut as Vancouver squads named

Australia has turned to Waratahs speedster Archie Saunders in their squad for the Vancouver SVNS, with a star trio also back in the mix as the series heads to the brisk north.

Saunders was a standout for the Australia U20 side in 2024 and was formerly coached by Olympian Melinda Gainsford-Taylor during his time as a track athlete. Maurice Longbottom, Dietrich Roache and James Turner are the returning stars for the men’s team, who are tied for fourth place with France on the season ladder.

The trio come back from respective injuries as Will Cartwright bows out for the remainder of the season with a shoulder issue. Longbottom will play his 50th tournament in Vancouver.

“It’s an exciting new challenge as the team heads to the cooler northern hemisphere where Vancouver has a high of eight degrees and New York is in the middle of a cold snap,” Australia Sevens Men’s coach Liam Barry said.

“We welcome back Maurice, Dietrich and James to the team and look forward to their input.

“For Maurice to play his 50th tournament in Vancouver is an incredible achievement for a player that has had a huge influence on this programme.

“It’s also a really special moment for Archie Saunders and his family as he looks to represent the Australian Sevens team for the first time.”

The women’s team welcome back Demi Kennewell (née Hayes) from an ACL injury, as Bridget Clark and Kiiahla Duff also make their way back into the squad. Coach Tim Walsh has opted to sit Teagan Levi, Kaitlin Shave and Bienne Terita out of the tournament to keep the trio fresh for the World Championships in April.

“We are continuing the rotation of the squad before settling for the World Championship starting in Hong Kong,” Walsh said.

“Bridget Clark, Kiiahla Duff and Demi Kennewell return to the team for Vancouver with Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, Kaitlin Shave and Teagan Levi preparing in Sydney before meeting the team in New York.

“Our aim is to finish the regular series with precision and a ruthless edge, finalising all the pieces of the puzzle for a World Championship series performance reflective of the Aussie Sevens way.

“Vancouver brings snow outside with a bouncy summer feel inside the indoor BC Place. It’s one of the unique and true attractions of this beautiful sport and adaptability is an attitude and we choose to survey, adapt and perform.”

Australia Women’s Sevens team for 2025/2026 HSBC SVNS Vancouver

2. Amahli Hala – 5 events
3. Faith Nathan – 36 events
4. Mackenzie Davis – 9 events
6. Madison Ashby (c) – 29 events
9. Tia Hinds – 25 events
10. Isabella Nasser (c) – 21 events
11. Demi Kennewell – 28 events
12. Maddison Levi – 31 events
13. Heidi Dennis – 10 events
14. Bridget Clark – 8 events
15. Kahli Henwood – 9 events
28. Kiiahla Duff – 8 events
65. Sariah Paki – 39 events

Australia Men’s Sevens team for 2025/2026 HSBC SVNS Vancouver

1. Henry Hutchison (c) – 63 events
2. Ben Dowling – 24 events
4. Dietrich Roache – 31 events
7. Josh Turner – 41 events
10. Ben Dalton – 13 events
11. Maurice Longbottom – 49 events
13. Jayden Blake – 10 events
14. James Turner – 22 events
23. Aden Ekanayake – 11 events
24. Ethan McFarland – 4 events
33. Harry Wilson – 4 events
49. Archie Saunders* – debut
77. Wallace Charlie – 5 events

*Denotes possible debut

Players unavailable for selection

• Will Cartwright (shoulder) – 2026/2027 season
• Charlotte Caslick (pregnancy) – 2026/2027 season
• Michael Icely (shoulder) – Hong Kong 7s
• Henry Paterson (knee) – 2026/2027 season