Fiji Airways Men’s 7s team’s utility back, John Stewart is still in disbelief after being named to be part of the national 7s side to the Dubai and South Africa 7s next month after a lapse of 5 years.
Stewart made his debut in the World Sevens Series back in 2012 in the Dubai 7s and has only played in two tournaments.
The Drua captain has come a long way and has also featured in the 2016 Super Rugby season for the Sunwolves.
Stewart says his wife has been encouraging him not to give up on different opportunities to wear the national jumper again.
Stewart and Eroni Sau are the two Drua players that have forced their way into the final 13 that is flying to Dubai.
He believes he has a lot of experience now compared to 2012.
The national side left our shores yesterday.
Meanwhile, All Blacks Sevens head coach Clark Laidlaw has named his squad for the opening leg of the 2017/18 World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai.
Scott Curry and Tim Mikkelson will co‑captain the team.
Laidlaw has selected 14 players to travel to Dubai, all with previous Sevens World Series experience.
The squad will feature Dylan Collier, Scott Curry, Sam Dickson, Tim Mikkelson, Tone Shiu, Teddy Stanaway, Kurt Baker, Andrew Knewstubb, Vilimoni Koroi, Sione Molia, Joe Ravouvou, Issac Te Tamaki, Regan Ware and Joe Webber.
The All Blacks Sevens finished runners‑up at the Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship earlier this month and Laidlaw said the tournament was a great opportunity to get some key learnings.
Fiji is pooled with Russia, Wales and Australia.
The Dubai 7s will be held from the 1st to the 3rd of next month.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
