New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens has named the squad for the opening two rounds of the 2009/2010 IRB World Sevens Series, which kicks off in Dubai on December 4-5. The second round takes place in George, South Africa on December 11-12.

The 12-man squad includes two Sevens debutants. They are Bay of Plenty's Toby Arnold and Wellington's Buxton Popoalii. The team will again be captained by Counties Manukau's DJ Forbes.

Tietjens said the squad has a good mix of experienced players with a couple of new, young players coming through.

"Last season had its challenges with the injuries we suffered, but these first two tournaments are a good opportunity for us to start fresh and also begin building towards next year's Commonwealth Games," said Tietjens.

The New Zealand Sevens team departs for Dubai on Sunday 29 November.

New Zealand Sevens squad for Dubai and South Africa: Onosai Auva'a (Auckland) Toby Arnold (Bay of Plenty) Kurt Baker (Manawatu) Tomasi Cama (Manawatu) DJ Forbes (Counties Manukau) Paul Grant (Otago) Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty) Buxton Popoalii (Wellington) Lote Raikabula (Manawatu) Ben Souness (Taranaki) Sherwin Stowers (Counties Manukau) Save Tokula (Waikato)