Rugby: Otago backs in NZ sevens squad

Fa'asiu Fuatai
Fa'asiu Fuatai
Otago backs Fa'asiu Fuatai and Tony Ensor have been named in the New Zealand sevens squad for the season.

Fuatai (21) and Ensor (23) have been picked as contracted players and will join a squad with some veterans and some interesting newcomers.

Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens has picked six newcomers in a squad that also includes seasoned campaigners such as DJ Forbes and Sherwin Stowers.

The other new players are Jordan Bunce (Manawatu), the son of former All Black centre Frank Bunce, Wellington loose forward Murphy Taramai, Bay of Plenty loose forward Joe Tupe and Counties-Manukau centre Sam Vaka.

Ensor has always looked like a prospect for the sevens game, as he has plenty of pace and the ability to beat a man.

He had a standout season in 2012 for Otago at fullback but his career has rather stalled since then as he has battled serious knee and shoulder injuries.

Fuatai had an impressive season for Otago on the left wing, finishing with five tries in what was a disappointing campaign for the side.

He was a member of the New Zealand Colts side last year and has quickened up over the past 18 months.

The season got off to a slow start for the law student and he did not play for much of the club season as he recovered from a shoulder injury.

The squad will get together in Mount Maunganui on Monday for training and a 12-man squad will be named on Thursday to play in tournaments in Dubai and South Africa next month.

Add a Comment

OUTSTREAM