The All Blacks Sevens have gone into 2016 with a bang. They are taking to the training fields of St. Peter's College, in Cambridge this morning.
For the first time coach, Sir Gordon Tietjens has revealed a star studded line-up. It includes Blues stars, Akira and Rieko Ioane (Ngāpuhi, Te Whānau a Apanui), Hurricanes flanker, Ardie Savea and All Blacks midfielder, Sonny Bill Williams.
Williams has been in camp with the side since Monday and was on light-training duties this morning. He's expected to debut at the Wellington leg of the HSBC World Sevens circuit in a fortnight.
Tim Mikkelson has been named captain and there's major experience in the ranks, including Gillies Kaka (Tauranga Moana).
Tietjens says Mikkelson is the right man to take over at this stage.
"Tim's a top player with many seasons of experience and has some great leadership qualities. He knows the game inside out so I'm confident he has what it takes to lead the team over the rest of the season. Tim's got huge respect from all the players and I know there will be plenty of support for him."
Tietjens has also revealed four new players will be selected for the national sevens side following this weekend's Bayleys National Sevens tournament in Rotorua.
Sports journalist, Raniera Harrison chats with Rieko Ioane and of course Sonny Bill Williams on Te Kāea, 5:30pm, Māori Television.