IRB Sevens World Series
Tietjens inspired by Olympics
ESPN Staff
August 11, 2012
New Zealand 7s coach Gordon Tietjens and captain DJ Forbes poses with the HSBC Sevens World Series silverware, London Sevens, Twickenham, England, May 13, 2012
Gordon Tietjens celebrates winning the world series with DJ Forbes © Getty Images
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Teams: New Zealand

All Blacks sevens coach Gordon Tietjens has named his training squad ahead of the new World Series season and revealed his excitement at rugby returning to the Olympics.

Tietjens named a 20-man squad for a training camp at Mt Maunganui next week with New Zealand beginning their defence of the IRB Sevens World Series crown on the Gold Coast in October. And with New Zealand enjoying a successful Olympics in London, Tietjens cannot wait until sevens is included in the Rio Games in 2016.

"It's been a real thrill watching the Olympics knowing we will be there in four years' time in Rio. The success of our athletes there has been really inspiring and I am sure their performances will be a great motivator for the players."

On his training squad, Tietjens said: "We're giving some new players an opportunity to show us what they can do in a Sevens environment given the unavailability of some players from last year for the first two tournaments of the season in October."

New Zealand squad: Jacob Ale, Mark Atkins, Tomasi Cama, Sam Dickson, DJ Forbes, Willis Halaholo, Kolio Hifo, Joe Hill, Mark Jackman, Warwick Lahmert, Rhys Lewellyn, Tevita Li, Tim Mikkelson, Kylem O'Donnell, Willie Paia'aua, Lote Raikabula, Belgium Tuatagaloa, Joe Tupe, Gareth William-Spiers, Jamie Verran

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