Rugby sevens: Tietjens names training squad

New Zealand sevens coach Sir Gordon Tietjens has named a familiar training squad to prepare for the first tournament of the 2013/2014 world series on the Gold Coast. Photo / Getty Images.

New Zealand sevens coach Sir Gordon Tietjens has named a familiar training squad to prepare for the first tournament of the 2013/2014 world series on the Gold Coast from October 12-13.

The final team of 12 will be named after a training camp in Mount Maunganui in early October and the 19-strong training squad includes a core of 13 players who were part of the successful team that won last season's world series and the World Cup in Moscow.

A number of players were unavailable after choosing to focus on fifteens, including Kurt Baker who has signed with the Highlanders, while Ben Lam was also unavailable due to injury.

Tietjens said the squad was a pleasing mix of experience and exciting new talent.

"The start of any season is a time when we rebuild, but I am really happy to have a core group of players who have served the team well over the last season so we start from a great base,'' Tietjens said.

"I have also brought into the squad a number of young players who have caught my eye and this will be a good opportunity for them to get a feel for our training environment and work hard for possible selection.

"We are really excited about the season ahead, building up to the Commonwealth Games next July so it will be great to get back on the pitch again and get our preparations firmly underway.''

The squad assembles in Mount Maunganui on Monday, September 30.

New Zealand sevens training squad: Tomasi Cama, Scott Curry, Ambrose Curtis, Sam Dickson, DJ Forbes, Sam Gavigan, Kali Hala, Mark Jackman, Gillies Kaka, Rocky Khan, Luke Masiwera, Tim Mikkelson, Kara Pryor, Lote Raikabula, Sherwin Stowers, Rob Thompson, Belgium Tuatagaloa, Joe Webber, Gareth Williams-Spiers