Sevens: New Zealand welcomes back Joe Webber for Hong Kong

Joe Webber in action.
Joe Webber in action. Photo credit: Photosport

Veteran Joe Webber will return to the national fold for the upcoming Hong Kong Sevens.

Webber has missed the last year recovering from reactive arthritis and with the returns of Scott Curry and Dylan Collier, the All Blacks Sevens are at full strength for the first time this campaign.

Coach Clark Laidlaw is delighted to finally have key additions to his strike power.

"We have really tested our depth in the forward pack in recent tournaments and all the players have really stepped up. It is good to have Scott and Dylan back going into Hong Kong, their experience will be crucial in such a big event.

"Joe is one of the best-attacking players in the game of sevens. He has worked so hard over the past year and kept such a positive attitude; we are all looking forward to seeing him out on the field again."

New Zealand sits second in the World Series, behind the USA but face a tough draw in Fiji, Kenya and Australia so they must be at their best just to advance into the cup playoffs.

"It doesn't get much harder than that. We start on Friday against Australia and that is where our focus is at the moment, we need to be ready to fire straight away," Laidlaw said.

Following the Hong Kong tournament, the team will travel to Singapore the following weekend.

All Blacks Sevens squad for Hong Kong:

Kurt Baker – Manawatu, Dylan Collier – Waikato, Scott Curry - Bay of Plenty, Sam Dickson – Canterbury, Andrew Knewstubb - Horowhenua Kapiti, Tim Mikkelson – Waikato, Sione Molia - Counties Manukau, Jona Nareki – Otago, Tone Ng Shiu – Tasman, Joe Ravouvou – Auckland, Akuila Rokolisoa - Counties Manukau, Regan Ware – Taranaki, Joe Webber - Bay of Plenty

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