It is with great pleasure that I announce the following international interchanges to two prestigious sevens tournaments for 2014:

Dubai Rugby 7s which runs from 4 December 2014 to 6 December 2014:

• Steve Salton – Referee Coach. As agreed with the organisers of this event, Steve was to spend 2 years covering the tournament. The 1st year was to learn the ropes & then this year is to add more value back to the organisers as well as grow as a 7s coach to ensure he can enhance our 7s referees back here in Auckland upon his return.
• Adam Palmer – 7s Referee. Adam was selected as one of our most promising 7s referees based on refereeing 7s tournaments throughout Auckland last year.

The selection committee comprised of Steve Salton (Head 7s Panel Facilitator), Roger Drew (7s Coach), Chris Morgan (7s Coach) and Smudge McNeilage (Match Official Manager).

Singapore 7s which runs from 1 November 2014 to 2 November 2014:

• Richard Loten – 7s referee. Richard is seen as one of our most promising 7s referees & this tournament will allow Richard to grow & reach the potential we believe he is capable of. With no NZ team attending this year, Richard has the opportunity of controlling the final.

This selection was also based on his refereeing of 7s tournaments throughout Auckland last year. The selection committee comprised of Steve Salton (Head 7s Panel Facilitator), Chris Morgan (7s Coach) and Smudge McNeilage (Match Official Manager).

The above appointments have all been made taking into account the referees’ and coaches’ 7s capability, promise, off-field behaviour and attendance at Auckland 7s tournaments.

Please note that these opportunities (in addition to the Fiji Coral Coast appointments announced previously) are most likely to be available next year for both 7s Coaches & 7s referees. Selections for these international interchanges will be based on performances during the upcoming Auckland 7s season. The selection committee will be headed by Steve Salton and other 7s Coaches & 7s Selectors who are involved in the Auckland tournaments this 7s season.

Also please note that attendance at the three Monday night specialists 7s training sessions (29th September, 6th October & 13th October) to be held at College Rifles at 7pm is also a criteria.