







Scott Curry said he was honoured to be chosen to lead the first New Zealand men’s sevens team to an Olympic Games.



“The Olympic Games is the pinnacle in world sport so to get an opportunity to go is really special. We know it’s going to be a massive challenge – everyone will be eyeing that gold medal. Having said that we think we have a pretty strong team so we will certainly be giving it our best shot.



“What’s really exciting for me is just being part of the wider New Zealand Olympic team. To see other athletes from New Zealand in Rio who are the very best in their sport will be inspiring for sure.”



Coach Gordon Tietjens said the Games marked the pinnacle of his career.



“To go to the Olympic Games which is the best sporting event in the world will be quite special. It’s going to be a challenging environment for all of us and all the teams as it’s such a new experience.



“Every player has been selected because they’ve performed well during the Sevens Series and in the training camps since then so have earned their position. Sevens is very competitive, so it’s important that we perform and if we perform to our potential, we’ll have a really good chance of succeeding in Rio.”



Rugby Sevens pools



In the men’s competition New Zealand has been drawn in Pool C and plays Great Britain, Kenya and Japan.



In the women’s competition New Zealand has been drawn in Pool B and plays France, Kenya and Spain.



All matches live on SKY Sport.





The 12 players in each team were revealed at a special announcement at Eden Park this afternoon. The women’s team was named by Olympic gold medalist Barbara Kendall and the men’s team by Commonwealth Games gold medalist, former New Zealand Sevens player, Karl Te Nana.