Black Ferns XV speedster Katelyn Vahaakolo has been named in the New Zealand sevens squad for the first time.
Wing Vahaakolo — who has scored 19 tries in 14 Tests — is one of three debutants along with Justine McGregor and Olive Watherston.
Dhys Faleafaga returns for her first SVNS Series tournaments since the birth of her twin boys.
The team will be captained by Sarah Hirini, with Risaleaana Pouri-Lane vice-captain, and eight players selected who won gold at the Olympics back in July.
Veteran Kelly Brazier will run out for her 49th tournament in the black jersey in Dubai, with her milestone 50th tournament set to be the following weekend in Cape Town.
The squad was scheduled to travel to Abu Dhabi today.
Coach Cory Sweeney said the squad was excited to get back on to the world stage.
"This is a new sunrise for this group," he said. "We have been really successful, but this is a blank canvas, and we want to try to play slightly differently. We are without some big names, but we have new energy, and everyone is ready to put their best food forward."
Speaking of the debutants, Sweeney said each of them bring unique qualities.
"Justine has been with us for a year now, and while she hasn’t debuted, she has attended a number of international tournaments and she is really determined to take her opportunity.
"Olive was injured for a lot of the Farah Palmer Cup but we saw a few weeks ago at the Sarah Hirini Cup, she has amazing workrate, energy and a real relentlessness about her game; she’s an exciting talent."
Vahaakolo, a former New Zealand league international, was included in the absence of regular wings Michaela Blyde and Stacey Waaka.
"Katelyn’s focus is the Rugby World Cup next year but it’s a perfect opportunity to bring her in, introduce her to the sevens environment and hopefully help her 15s pre-season. She is a strong learner, has huge energy and wants to know as much as she can. On the field she is strong, physical, fast, has great feet and can make a whole lot out of nothing."
Black Ferns sevens squad
Kelly Brazier, Dhys Faleafaga, Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Sarah Hirini (c), Justine McGregor (debut), Jorja Miller, Manaia Nuku, Mahina Paul, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (vc), Theresa Setefano, Alena Saili, Kelsey Teneti, Katelyn Vahaakolo (debut), Olive Watherston (debut).
Unavailable: Michaela Blyde (leave), Shiray Kaka (injury), Tysha Ikenasio (injury), Stacey Waaka (injury)
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