New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens has named a seventeen-man squad to prepare for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai next month.

The squad which assembles in Mount Maunganui from February 22-24 features 14 members of the current national sevens squad.

Newcomer Ben Souness from Taranaki has been joined by Chiefs wing Sosene Anesi and Hurricanes loose forward Victor Vito, who have both played previously for the team.

Tietjens said preparations had been hampered by recent injuries but he has hope the players named would focus quickly on the Rugby World Cup opportunity.

Edwin Cocker, Solomon King and Tim Mikkelson were not considered for selection due to injury.

Fiji's Viliame Waqaseduadua, Save Tokula, Lote Raikabula and Tomasi Cama Junior all have made Tietjen's squad.