Dominant Aussies return to happy hunting ground

Australia's women are chasing a record-extending sixth straight Dubai Sevens title when the 2025-26 world series kicks off on Saturday.

Coach Tim 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.

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

Watch the 2025-26 World Sevens Series with every match streaming live and on demand on the home of rugby, Stan Sporthttps://x.com/StanSportRugby/status/1993834994230555044?s=20

"We have enjoyed a strong pre-season jam packed with rugby and off field growth," Walsh said.

"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."

Walsh added that the return of Ashby and Shave added a "little spark to the team's mindset."

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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.

Australia's men, meanwhile, are looking to build on last season's sixth place finish as they take on Spain, New Zealand and Great Britain in their pool.

Second year coach Liam 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.https://x.com/StanSportRugby/status/1993092113467424958?s=20

Wilson is the brother of promising Waratahs halfback Teddy, who also represented Australia in sevens last year.

The trio have been called up following injuries to co-captain Henry Paterson, Michael Icely and James Turner in pre-season.

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.

"It's very exciting for Ethan, Will and Harry as they look to represent Australia and their families," Barry said.

"Unfortunately we have lost quality players... but in turn this provides others an opportunity to play on the world stage."

Argentina are the defending men's world series champions.

Australia women's squad: 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

Australia men's squad: 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

Women's fixtures in Dubai

• Saturday, November 29: Australia v Japan (6.42pm AEDT)
• Saturday, November 29: Australia v Canada (10.05pm AEDT)
• Sunday, November 30: Australia v Great Britain (1.11am AEDT)

Men's fixtures in Dubai

• Saturday, November 29: Australia v Spain (7.48pm AEDT)
• Saturday, November 29: Australia v New Zealand (10.54pm AEDT)
• Sunday, November 30: Australia v Great Britain (2.50am AEDT)