{"id":481478,"date":"2025-11-27T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-27T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/?p=481478"},"modified":"2025-11-27T21:19:54","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T21:19:54","slug":"dominant-aussies-return-to-happy-hunting-ground","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/?p=481478","title":{"rendered":"Dominant Aussies return to happy hunting ground"},"content":{"rendered":"

Australia's women are chasing a record-extending sixth straight Dubai Sevens<\/a> title when the \ufeff2025-26 world series kicks off on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Coach \ufeffTim Walsh will welcome back co-captain Madison Ashby and speedster Kaitlin Shave after both spent more than 12 months on the sidelines with serious knee injuries.<\/p>\n

Tia Hinds also returns to the team after featuring for the Wallaroos<\/a> at the Rugby World Cup in September but superstar Charlotte Caslick<\/a> will miss both the Dubai and Cape Town legs for personal reasons.<\/p>\n

Watch the 2025-26 World Sevens Series with every match streaming live and on demand<\/strong><\/em> on the home of rugby, Stan Sport<\/strong><\/em><\/a>\ufeff<\/p>\n

https:\/\/x.com\/StanSportRugby\/status\/1993834994230555044?s=20<\/a><\/p>\n

"We have enjoyed a strong pre-season jam packed with rugby and off field growth," Walsh said.<\/p>\n

"Unlike last season we approach round one in Dubai with a fit, strong and mostly available squad, making selections a real pleasure. Every training session has been about winning the drill and delivering healthy competition to better each other."<\/p>\n

Walsh added that the return of Ashby and Shave added a "\ufefflittle spark to the team's mindset."<\/p>\n

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https:\/\/x.com\/StanSportRugby\/status\/1993477768668234153?s=20<\/a><\/p>\n

Australia, who finished second behind New Zealand in the 2024-25 world series, will take on Japan, Canada and Great Britain in pool play in Dubai.<\/p>\n

Australia's men, m\ufeffeanwhile, are looking to build on last season's sixth place finish as they take on Spain, New Zealand and Great Britain in their pool.<\/p>\n

Second year coach \ufeffLiam Barry has named three debutants for the start of the series with former NSW Waratahs centre Harry Wilson picked alongside Queenslanders Will Cartwright and Ethan McFarland.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/x.com\/StanSportRugby\/status\/1993092113467424958?s=20<\/a><\/p>\n

Wilson is the brother of promising Waratahs \ufeffhalfback Teddy, who also represented Australia in sevens last year.<\/p>\n

The trio have been called up \ufefffollowing injuries to co-captain Henry Paterson, Michael Icely and James Turner in pre-season.<\/p>\n

Paterson will miss the entire season after suffering an ACL injury at training earlier this month while Icely (shoulder) and Turner (foot) will miss the first four rounds.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

"It's very exciting for Ethan, Will and Harry as they look to represent Australia and their families," Barry said.<\/p>\n

"Unfortunately we have lost quality players… but in turn this provides others an opportunity to play on the world stage."<\/p>\n

Argentina are the defending men's world series champions.\ufeff<\/p>\n

Australia women's squad:<\/strong> Madison Ashby (co-c), Isabella Nasser (co-c), Amahli Hala, Faith Nathan, Mackenzie Davis, Teagan Levi, Kaitlin Shave, Tia Hinds, Maddison Levi, Heidi Dennis, Bienne Terita, Ruby Nicholas, Sariah Paki<\/p>\n

Australia men's squad:<\/strong> Henry Hutchison (c), Ben Dowling, James McGregor, Dietrich Roache, Josh Turner, Will Cartwright, Ben Dalton, Maurice Longbottom, Jayden Blake, Aden Ekanayake, Ethan McFarland, Harry Wilson, Wallace Charlie<\/p>\n

Women's fixtures in Dubai\ufeff<\/strong><\/p>\n