Dual-qualified teenager Dane Mitchell earns Australia Sevens call-up after USA U20 hat-trick

Sydney-raised fullback Dane Mitchell has been selected in the Australia Men’s Sevens squad for the 2026/27 HSBC SVNS Series, coach Liam Barry confirming the dual-qualified 19-year-old as one of two new additions to the roster ahead of an Olympic-qualifying campaign that opens at the Emirates Dubai Sevens on 28-29 November.

Mitchell represented the USA under-20s at the World Rugby Junior World Championships in Georgia, where he scored a hat-trick against England and made several further appearances at the tournament. His path to the Australian programme accelerated after he played for Australia at the inaugural Kick On 7s in Sydney, impressing enough to earn a full contract. Despite his international appearances for the USA, Mitchell qualifies for dual representation and grew up playing rugby in Rockdale, Sydney, where he is currently a student at the University of Sydney.

“Dane has been a great surprise for us,” Barry said. “After playing well against Fiji last month in Kick On 7s we are excited to see him adapt to the format. Dane has speed, great ball skills and an aerobic engine which is a huge asset in our game.”

The second addition is ACT Brumbies Academy member Chayse Geros, who joins the national programme on a full-time basis for the coming season. The 19-year-old came through the Australia under-18s pathway, attended the Global Youth Sevens, and made appearances for the Australia under-20s before an injury interrupted his progress. Under the arrangement confirmed by Barry, Geros will split his time between the sevens programme and the Brumbies in 2028 before returning to the Super Rugby franchise full-time in 2029.

“We’re really excited to welcome Chayse Geros to the program,” Barry said. “Chayse has come through the World Schools Sevens pathway and Under 20s. It will be great to watch him play at this next level.”

Barry acknowledged the heightened stakes of the new season, with Olympic qualification adding pressure to every result. “The squad has had a good few weeks in preparation and we are looking forward to our first tournaments in Dubai and Cape Town. The 26/27 season has the added factor of Olympic qualification, so we are aware of the importance of getting a good start.”