Otago loose forward Paul Grant has been named in the New Zealand sevens squad to play in tournaments in Dubai and South Africa over the next couple of weeks.
Grant (21), who played in all but one of Otago's games this season in the Air New Zealand Cup, is one of four new caps named in the sevens squad.
The rangy, quick loose forward is a product of South Otago and has a turn of pace ideally suited for the shorter version of the game.
Joining the University A forward as new members in the squad are Kurt Baker (20), from Manawatu, Tim Nanai-Williams (19), from Counties Manukau, and Julian Savea (18), from Wellington. Southland and former Highlanders winger Willie Rickards has also made the squad.
The squad is for tournaments in Dubai on November 28-29 and George, South Africa, on December 5-6.
The squad will be re-selected for the Wellington leg of the sevens series, to be played on February 6-7. New Zealand won the competition last year.
• The team, to be coached by Gordon Tietjens, is: Baker, Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), DJ Forbes (Counties Manukau, captain), Solomon King (Bay of Plenty), Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty), Tim Mikkelson (Waikato), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Rickards, Savea, Nafi Tuitavake (North Harbour), Grant, Nanai-Williams.
