Australia's Sevens selectors have named an 'Aussie Spirit' squad blending experience and youth to compete at the international invitational Sevens tournament on the Gold Coast on 7-8 November.
The Hyperion Gold Coast International Sevens at Albert Park will provide an ideal warm-up ahead of the Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens (4-5 December), the first event on the new IRB Sevens World Series.
Several of the players in the 'Aussie Spirit' side have represented Australia on the World Series, while other fringe players will be seeking to force their way into coach Michael O'Connor's thinking this season.
As well as the Australia select side, the Gold Coast tournament has attracted teams from Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Samoa.
Australia will host the fifth leg of the World Series Sevens, the International Sevens Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on 19-21 March.
The Gold Coast tournament will be staged less than one month after the International Olympic Committee voted Sevens into the sporting programme of the Olympic Games, from 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.
Aussie Spirit squad
* WILLIE BISHOP: Bishop's father and brother have both represented New Zealand and his uncle, Jamie Joseph is a former All Black. The most experienced member of the squad.
BERNARD FOLEY: The Sydney University fly half attended St Aloysius College and represented the NSW Schoolboys in 2007.
* SHAUN FOLEY: Returned from a stint with the Roosters in the NRL last year and won selection in squad for Sevens World Series.
TALALELEI GRAY: Australian U20 squad member and with the Brumbies Academy.
ZACK HOLMES: Local WA product and up and coming wing/fullback who has contract with Force Academy.
BRACKIN KARAURIA-HENRY: Has a rugby league background, playing for the Sharks in the NRL from 2006 to 2008.
* PATRICK McCUTCHEON: Played in Dubai and South Africa in 2007 and during 2009 travelled with the side to Europe for the England and Scotland legs of the IRB Sevens World Series.
EDWARD QUIRK: Has previously represented Queensland and Australia as a Schoolboy and is a member of the Queensland Reds Academy.
* BRIAN SEFANAIA: An experienced Australian Sevens squad member, born in Tonga and has just turned 21.
* CLINTON SILLS: Australian Sevens last year, Australian U20 this season and with the Brumbies Academy.
* JAMES STANNARD: Made an appearance on the Australian Sevens side during 2009 for the England and Scotland legs of the IRB Sevens World Series.
JACOB TAYLOR: Up and coming fullback from Sydney University looking to break into the Sevens top flight.
* Has played on the IRB Sevens World Series
