The New Zealand Sevens men’s team has been forced to make a late change to its Rugby World Cup squad in Dubai after Tu Umaga Marshall was ruled out of the tournament with a lower back strain.
His replacement, also from Wellington, is Julian Savea who has joined the squad in Dubai.
Savea is part of the New Zealand Sevens national squad and played the opening two tournaments of the 2008-2009 IRB World Sevens Series in Dubai and George.
New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens said losing Umaga Marshall was a blow this close to the tournament, and adds to the miserable run of injuries which his squad has sustained in the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament.
“I’m disappointed for Tu, who has worked hard to get ready for the World Cup. But like the earlier injuries, we have to move on and ensure we perform when the tournament starts on Thursday.”
The updated New Zealand Sevens RWC squad is: Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), DJ Forbes (Captain, Counties Manukau), Paul Grant (Otago), Nigel Hunt (Bay of Plenty), Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty), Tim Nanai Williams (Counties Manukau), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Julian Savea (Wellington), Ben Souness (Taranaki), Chad Tuoro (Counties Manukau), Victor Vito (Wellington), Viliame Waqaseduadua (North Harbour).
The Rugby World Cup Sevens takes place at Dubai’s ‘The Sevens’ stadium from March 5-7.
No comments:
Post a Comment