ACL-sidelined Australia Sevens co-captain Paterson signs new deal and targets October return

Henry Paterson, co-captain of the Australia Men’s Sevens side, has signed a contract extension with the program and is targeting a return to the HSBC SVNS Series at the Kick On Sevens in Sydney on October 16, after 12 months on the sidelines following a season-ending ACL rupture sustained in training.

The Paris Olympian’s comeback will be eagerly anticipated by Australian rugby sevens fans, with Director of High Performance Peter Horne noting that Paterson’s leadership will be a key asset for the squad heading into the 2026–2027 season. “We look forward to seeing Henry back on the field soon and his leadership within the squad will be valuable in 2026-2027,” Horne said.

Alongside Paterson, two young players have also secured new deals. Jayden Blake, a product of the NSW Waratahs Academy and the Randwick side that claimed the Shute Shield premiership, debuted at SVNS Cape Town in late 2024 and went on to appear at 13 events across his first two seasons. The utility back drew praise for his defensive work as a rookie before building on that platform in his second year.

Ethan McFarland, a Brisbane-born product of GPS Rugby club, played nine events in his debut season and made an immediate mark — scoring a crucial try that helped seal a drought-breaking SVNS title for the men’s side in Valladolid, Spain.

“Jayden and Ethan are exciting players coming through the program and complement our experience in the group,” Horne added. “Jayden’s speed and athleticism has been on show in his first two seasons and we expect Ethan to build on his first year after impressing the coaching staff.”

The trio of signings signals a blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent as Australia’s sevens program looks to build on its Valladolid triumph.