Reigning IRB Sevens Player of the Year Mikaele Pesamino has been named as a no travelling reserve by Samoa head coach Stephen Betham for the next two rounds of the Sevens World Series in Hong Kong and Adelaide, Australia.

The rangy wing scored 56 tries in all last season, including key scored in both Hong Kong and Adelaide as the Samoans stormed to both titles, but has failed to hit the same kind of form so far this season.

Even without Pesamino, Betham has named a strong squad of players as the reigning World Series champions set out to defend their Hong Kong title and capture a first Cup of the season.

Foremost in the list are forwards Ofisa Treviranus, and Afa Aiono, while the timeless Uale Mai again featured at scrum half inside captain Lolo Lui.

The Samoans will face pool matches against Scotland, Tonga and Mexico in Pool C in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong 7s kick-off next Friday.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi