Brumbies Academy duo Jed Stuart and Corey Toole have been selected as part of the a new-look Australian Sevens squad ahead of this week's World Series tournament in Dubai.
The pair make up a group of eight debutants who will join the experienced likes of Nicholas Malouf, Henry Hutchison and Maurice Longbottom as Australia returns to Sevens World Series competition for the first time since 2020.
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They'll be joined by NSW young guns Henry Paterson, Dietrich Roach, Yool Yool, Kristan Jensen, Ben Dowling and Solomone Vosaicake who are all chasing a first start for their country.
Australia has been drawn in Pool A, alongside France, Canada and Olympic gold medalists Fiji for their long-awaited return of Sevens rugby which has been waylaid due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Only two tournaments were played in 2021, and Australia did not participate.
"After a long wait, the World Series kicks off again in Dubai, with eight debutants, seven of which were products of the program's initiatives pre-Olympics, where we put together and created our own series to select and prepare players for Tokyo," Australian Sevens men's head coach, Tim Walsh said.
"Each of these players have a fascinating story, filled with determination and resilience. To award caps to a third of the players in one tournament is a humbling and unique experience that showcases a new era in our team's future."
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Australia won just once in Tokyo, downing minnows South Korea to qualify for the quarter finals, before losing 19-0 to Fiji.
Walsh has also called upon the services of ex-Melbourne Rebels centre Billy Meakes for the Dubai tournament.
The 30-year-old, who made his Sevens debut in 2011, has been plying his trade in the United States for the expansion team LA Giltinis in Major League Rugby.
Meakes was a cornerstone of the Giltinis' championship win under coach Darren Coleman, who has since taken charge of the struggling NSW Waratahs.
"A marquee selection for this leg of the World Series is Billy Meakes from the LA Giltinis," Walsh said.
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
