Messam Misses Rio Sevens Selection

Liam Messam talks to Tony Veitch about the disappointment of missing out on selection for the sevens squad headed to Rio.

Liam Messam is the biggest name to miss selection for the men's sevens squad heading to the Rio Olympics.

Last year's Rugby World Cup winner has failed to make the cut for the 12, along with speedster Kurt Baker.

Coach Sir Gordon Tietjens said injuries played their part in Messam missing out.

"Certainly around his calf injury around World Cup time, and he had some calf injuries with us as well, which stopped him from playing in the last two tournaments, which were really crucial for Liam to push his case forward."

Messam's omission means he will link up with the Chiefs for their final two Super Rugby round robin games and the playoffs.

He's taking his non-selection on the chin, saying it was one of the calls coach Tietjens had to make.

The full squad is captain Scott Curry, Sam Dickson, DJ Forbes, Akira Ioane, Rieko Ioane, Gillies Kaka, Tim Mikkelson, Augustine Pulu, Teddy Stanaway, Regan Ware, Joe Webber, and Sonny Bill Williams.

The women's squad features a backbone of the side that has played on the world series circuit in recent years, with captain Sarah Goss leading the charge.

The full women's squad is Goss, Shakira Baker, Kelly Brazier, Gayle Broughton, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Kayla McAlister, Huriana Manuel, Tyla Nathan-Wong, Terina Te Tamaki, Ruby Tui, Niall Williams and Portia Woodman.

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