DJ Forbes is one of five New Zealand sevens players returning home rather than travelling to Singapore for the next world series tournament.
The experienced Forbes brought up 79 tournament appearances at Hong Kong at the weekend, which equals the world series record, and is to return as part of a long-term conditioning plan to ensure he is in the best possible shape to be in contention for the New Zealand Olympic sevens team, according to a New Zealand Rugby release.
New Zealand, hit badly by injuries, finished runners up to Fiji in Hong Kong. Pita Ahki (shoulder), Sam Dickson (leg), Tim Mikkelson (ankle), and Lewis Ormond (foot) are also returning to New Zealand.
They will be replaced by Antonio Kiri Kiri, Josh van Leishout and Isaac Te Aute, who fly to Singapore tonight.
New Zealand remain second in the series, one point ahead of South Africa and five points behind leaders, Fiji, with three tournaments left in the season; Singapore, Paris and London.
