Kurt Baker and Sherwin Stowers have been named in the New
Zealand sevens training squad after missing out on Super
Rugby contracts.
Many expressed surprise Stowers did not earn a contract after
being overlooked by new Blues coach Sir John Kirwan, but
sevens coach Gordon Tietjens was quick to include the former
Commonwealth Games gold medallist in a 22-man group to
assemble in Mt Maunganui next week to prepare for the next
two IRB series events in Dubai and Port Elizabeth.
Auckland wing Ben Lam, another player not wanted at the
Blues, has also been included along with Baker.
Baker won't be attending the camp as he is in the UK with the
New Zealand Maori but will still be considered for the final
12-man squad, which will be announced on Thursday.
Toby Arnold and Mark Jackman were not considered due to
injury.
The squad is: Kurt Baker, Tomasi Cama, Scott Curry, Ambrose
Curtis, Sam Dickson, Tony Ensor, Gareth Evans, DJ Forbes,
Iopu Iopu, Gillies Kaka, Milford Keresoma, Warwick Lahmert,
Ben Lam, Luke Masirewa, Tim Mikkelson, Kylem O'Donnell, Lote
Raikabula, David Raikuna, Sherwin Stowers, Tutu Tairea,
Belgium Tuatagaloa, William Whetton.
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