We are very happy to be back on the sevens trail after the good tournament we had in Glendale, finishing in fifth place after beating Canada (pictured), but more than that with the way we played.

After that we played a 15s test against Wales at home in Madrid in front of some 4,000 fans, which was very nice to be involved in but more so with the win and the fact that it pushed us upwards in the world rankings.

Being able to work side by side with 15s and sevens is good. The big goal for 15s next year is to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2021.

But we are now back in sevens mode, already in Dubai, with a good preparation ahead of a pool that features Olympic champions Australia, who are always a very difficult team to play against and they usually get the better of us with their game plan but it offers us a big challenge in trying to stop their attack.

Ireland and Fiji complete the pool, two teams that ensure we are completely focused, maintaining possession for as long as we can and try to take our attacking opportunities to be able to win.

New stop awaits

Dubai is a tournament we like very much as a team, and one I have the fondest of memories as it is a big party and a great event.

My birthday normally falls when I am in Dubai which makes it always a special place to come to.

The change in format and the fact that we are going onto Cape Town for the first time with the women’s series is very positive. The growth to eight tournaments on the series is important.

Hopefully, we will be able to find our best rugby in these two weeks.

I also look forward to seeing Selica Winiata now as referee, having been a team-mate when I played in New Zealand and an opponent with the Black Ferns for many years. I think she will be a very good referee if she does it as well as she played!

I think the promotion of women in sport, going from player to referee, is a good step forward.