Australia Sevens coach Michael O'Connor has selected not only his 12-man squad for the opening two events of the IRB Sevens World Series 2008/09 in Dubai and George, but also a larger group of players to work with for the whole season.
O'Connor has a wider squad of 18 players, seven of whom are contracted to Super 14 provinces, from which he will select from for the eight events on the IRB Sevens World Series and next year's Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai.
The seven contracted players are the Brumbies' Peter Betham and Afusipa Taumapeau, Aiden Toua and Scott Higginbotham of the Queensland Reds, Western Force duo Scott Daruda and Dane Haylett-Perry and Ben Mowen of the Waratahs.
"We wanted to put together a group from which we would draw 12 players for each tournament," explained O'Connor, who played both rugby union and rugby league for Australia.
"We need to get some continuity in terms of how we approach Sevens. You can't build on something if you chop and change the personnel all the time so we thought it best to keep the same guys through the entire campaign.
"From that perspective it was good to see the Super 14 provinces lend their support and give us access to two players from each of their squads."
Pride in the natonal jersey
O'Connor is also determined to see Australia climb the IRB Sevens World Series rankings and improve on their position of eighth overall in 2007/08 with a Cup semi final appearance in the Wellington leg their best result.
"The tournaments we play are very well run, they fill stadiums around the world, and every time our team is on display they wear the gold jumper," added O'Connor.
"There is pride in that jumper and the players have to understand that every time they go out on the field there are expectations and responsibility that go with that honour.
"We want and need to aspire to the highest level.
"I had the opportunity to represent Australia three times at the Hong Kong Sevens during my playing days and I still recall it with fond memories. I want these players to embrace this chance so they too can look back on it with pride and a sense of real achievement."
Australia have been drawn in a tough Pool A at the Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens on 28-29 November with defending champions New Zealand, Wales and Zimbabwe. A week later at the Emirates Airline South Africa Sevens in George they face the hosts, USA and Georgia in Pool B.
Australia squad for Dubai and George:
Willie Bishop, Will Brock, Benjamin Coridas, Drumayne Dayberg-Muir, Dane Haylett-Perry, Ed Jenkins, Richard Kingi, Luke Morahan, Ben Mowen, Brian Sefanaia, Aiden Toua, Stanley Hokafonu.
