Parahi back for Sydney Sevens

Editor

Jesse Parahi will return from injury in Australia's squad for the upcoming Sydney Sevens in one of two changes made for the tournament.

Parahi and rookie Charlie Taylor are the new faces in the 12-man squad, with Jeral Skelton and Matthew Hood dropping out from Cape Town.

“We marked Sydney 7s down at the start of the season as one of our target tournaments, so we have an internal expectation to do well here," head coach Andy Friend told rugby.com.au.

"It’s crucial that we do perform to the best of our ability, not only because it’s on home soil in front of family and friends, but also because of its importance to the Commonwealth Games draw.

“We weren't happy with our pool performance in Cape Town and so now we have to aim up against USA, Canada and Scotland. All three teams will be tough opponents so we will need to be at our best to beat them respectively.

“Jesse (Parahi), Charlie (Taylor) and Tom (Lucas) all played well in Darwin, and have earned their inclusion into the squad. As a squad, it's now about trusting the hard work we’ve put in over the past six months, and enjoying the vibe and excitement about playing on our home turf."

Australia squad for Sydney 7s

Charlie Taylor, Simon Kennewell, Sam Myers, Lewis Holland (c), James Stannard, John Porch, Tim Anstee, Jesse Parahi, Boyd Killingworth, Ben O’Donnell, Maurice Longbottom, Lachie Anderson
13th man: Tom Lucas