The Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens squad for the LA Sevens has been named with schoolboy prodigy Angus Bell (pictured) and Stu Dunbar named in the touring squad for the Los Angeles leg of the Series, kicking off next weekend.
Bell who has come up through the NSW Rugby system and represented Australia U18s on the tour to UK and Ireland last year will be a part of the touring squad for the first of two North American rounds of the HSBC Sevens World Series.
Speedster, Rod Davies returns to the squad having overcome injury and will complement Henry Hutchison on the wing.
The Aussie 7s will meet Scotland, Samoa and tournament hosts USA in the battle of Pool C as the men in gold look to gain valuable Series points as we enter the halfway mark of the HSBC Sevens World Series.
Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens Head Coach, Tim Walsh said: “Entering the halfway point of the Series rewards consistency reflected in World Series standings.
“In LA bettering ourselves is always key to performance and more rewarding outcomes.
“Every pool is competitive but we are pleased to have USA in the USA especially after our performance against them in Sydney.
“Stu and Angus have earned their selections through consistent training performances and positional talent. Both bring different roles tactically, mentally and physicality and we’re looking forward to seeing them compete”.
Angus is a young fella, I think he’s got tremendous potential in rugby, Sevens or XVs, so really excited to give him a shot,” he said.
“I think he’s got all the skills – he’s got speed, he’s got size, really good awareness and great skills to be able to execute it.
“Stuey’s got a bit of maturity on his side, really good understanding of the game, can pull the strings and conduct.
“Despite him being on his debut, I think he’s got a level head on him, two very different players in different stages of their career but both definitely earned their touring spot and their debut in LA.”
With LA not being a joint the tournament with the HSBC Sevens Women’s Series, there will be quarter finals following the Pool stage.
Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens for Los Angeles
Henry Hutchison, Randwick, 30 caps
Dylan Pietsch, Randwick, 16 caps
Rod Davies, 3 caps
Lewis Holland (vc), Queanbeyan, 51 caps
Lachlan Miller, Randwick, 10 caps
Joe Pincus, Easts (Sydney), 10 caps
Josh Turner, Manly, 4 caps
Stu Dunbar*, Sydney University
Trae Williams, 3 caps
Nick Malouf (c), University of Queensland, 38 caps
Maurice Longbottom, Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team, 18 caps
Lachlan Anderson (vc), Eastwood, 25 caps
Angus Bell*, Sydney University
*Denotes uncapped