The England 7s rugby team arrived in Wellington as defending champions, but much changed from the side that took the spoils in the New Zealand International 7s final last year.
The side is without many key players like Isoa Damudamu who is ruled out because of injury, while Rob Vickerman, Chris Cracknell, Tom Briggs and former captain Ollie Philips are pursuing their 15s career in England and France.
England 7s captain Kevin Barrett said the new players in the team are well focused for the tournament and they can surprise many teams.
He said most of the teams will be out to knock them out of the tournament but they will do everything they can to defend their title.
Barrett said they want to leave New Zealand with good memories.
England will play USA, Tonga and Kenya on Day One of the New Zealand International 7s tournament on Friday.
England 7s team ready to defend title
Related Stories
Unity through rugby: Sukuna challenge shifted to the north
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere says rugby, especially the Sukuna Bowl brings unity to all Fijians as the historic clash heads to the north for the first time. Ratu Wiliame says the decision to move the Ratu Sukuna Rugby
Suva fall short against Mataks in OFC Futsal Championship
Suva Futsal Club put up a determined performance in their OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2025 match, but were defeated 5-1 by a strong Mataks FC side from the Solomon Islands. The loss means Suva’s chances o
Ruben Love to start for All Blacks as Robertson rotates team for Wales
Scott Robertson has put his trust in Damian McKenzie at first five-eiqhth after electing to make 13 positional changes to his run-on team for the All Blacks' final test of the vear against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday mor
Botitu and Maqala in the midfield with Nasova on the wing
Major changes have been made to the FIJI Water Flying Fijians side to take on Spain on Sunday as Vilimoni Botitu and Sireli Maqala will start in the midfield with Joji Nasova on the wing. Head coach Mick Byrne has
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids through to OFC Futsal final after beating defending champions New Caledonia
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids have booked their spot in the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League final, beating defending champions New Caledonia's AS PTT 5–2 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. The Rapids made a fast s
Tanoa Hotel renews partnership with Fijian Drua
Tanoa Hotels has renewed its partnership with the Fijian Drua, securing Tanoa Hotels’ position as the Official Hotel and Home of the Fijian Drua for an additional three years. The Drua says the renewed agreement