England Sevens coach Ben Ryan has been able to recall former captains Andy Vilk and Ollie Phillips to his squad to compete in the NZI Sevens and USA Sevens.
Ryan also gives Sevens Series debuts to Ben Jones and Dan Norton, while offering 18-year-old Charlie Simpson-Daniel - younger brother of test cap James - another chance to shine after limited opportunities in South Africa in December.
"These three have been given an opportunity to fight for World Cup selection," said Ryan, whose next job will be to select a 12-man squad to compete at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai on 5-7 March.
"The Wellington and San Diego tournaments are our chance to continue the hard work that we've put in over the last six months.
"We've kept consistency with our squad over the last three tournaments and the inclusion of Dan, Ben and Charlie means there's even more competition for World Cup places and I'm sure they will relish the challenges ahead."
Ryan has retained the majority of his squad that faced South Africa in the Dubai final at the end of 2008. Towering Fijian-born forward Isoa Damudamu has been one of the outstanding players this season, while Ben Gollings offers considerable experience at fly half inside the likes of Tom Biggs on the wing.
Phillips and Vilk return to action
Veteran back Phillips returns to the side after recovering from the shoulder injury which kept him out of the South Africa Sevens, as does last season's captain Vilk, who now plays his club rugby for Benetton Traviso in Italy.
With just 37 days to go until the start of the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009, Wellington and San Diego offer vital preparation time for Ryan's men, as well as a crucial opportunity to earn valuable series points.
Currently England are third-equal in the rankings with Fiji, behind South Africa and New Zealand.
They face Argentina, France and Canada on day one of the New Zealand tournament, while pool action in San Diego a week later pitches them against Samoa, Scotland and Japan.
Update (30 January) : Rodwell replaces Barden for England
James Rodwell has been called into the England Sevens squad for the events in Wellington and San Diego.
Rodwell, who featured in the Dubai and South Africa legs in 2008, will replace Bristol Rugby's Greg Barden, who has failed to recover from a shoulder injury.
England squad: James Rodwell (Mosely RFC), Kevin Barrett (Exeter Chiefs), Tom Biggs (Leeds Carnegie), Chris Cracknell (Exeter Chiefs), Isoa Damudamu (Army), Ben Gollings (Gold Coast, Australia), Ben Jones (Worcester Warriors)*, Dan Norton (Gloucester Rugby)*, Ollie Phillips (Newcastle Falcons), Charlie Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester Rugby), Rob Vickerman (Leeds Carnegie), Andy Vilk (Benetton Treviso)
*Denotes uncapped for England Sevens
