Five-time SVNS champion Joe Webber returns nine months after retiring from All Blacks Sevens

Joe Webber is back in an All Blacks Sevens shirt less than nine months after retiring from international rugby, named in New Zealand’s 14-man squad for the Mount Maunganui Sevens at Blake Park on 1–2 November.

Webber, a five-time HSBC SVNS Series champion who represented New Zealand at three Olympic Games and won two Commonwealth Games medals, was considered one of the great figures of the programme when he stepped away earlier this year. His return is the headline selection in a squad that blends experienced campaigners with emerging talent.

Alongside Webber, the squad includes 2026 Rookie SVNS Player of the Year Kee Lasaqa, while Sione Molia, Akuila Rokolisoa, Roderick Solo, Regan Ware and Ryan Williams bring further SVNS Series experience. Michael Manson, who debuted on the world sevens circuit last season and drew attention at SVNS Singapore with a recorded top speed of 39.9 km/h, is also included, along with Nathaniel Barry, Fletcher Morgan, Brayden Neilson, Waisake Salabiau, Bradley Tocker and Triumph Voice.

New Zealand are still weeks away from confirming their squads for the SVNS Series opener in Dubai, meaning Webber’s appearance at Blake Park will be closely watched as a potential indicator of his standing ahead of that selection.

The Black Ferns Sevens squad for the same event is captained by Risi Pouri-Lane and features reigning SVNS Player of the Year Jorja Miller. Miller was in strong form during New Zealand’s recent three-match series against Australia, starring in a clinical final-day win at Accor Stadium after the visitors dropped the opening two matches in Sydney. Kelsey Teneti, who enjoyed a career-best season on the circuit last year, is also included alongside Keelah Bodle, Maia Davis, Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Renee Holmes, Kavanah Lene, Danii Mafoe, Manaia Nuku, Mahina Paul, Te Pumanawa O Toku Ate Rogers, Alena Saili, Olive Watherston and Katelyn Vahaakolo.

Australia, Fiji, France, Japan, Samoa and the USA are also competing at Blake Park across the men’s and women’s fixtures, with entry free to spectators.