Pita Ahki Returns To NZ Sevens Squad

A lifeline of sorts for Pita Ahki, who's returning to the All Blacks Sevens squad for the first time since 2013.

He'll play in the Hong Kong and Singapore legs of the World Series, having been released by the Hurricanes after limited game time.

Coach Sir Gordon Tietjens said they needed someone with sevens experience after losing Joe Webber and Ben Lam through injury.

Sir Tietjens said Ahki is a strong player.

"There was an opportunity to give Pita a crack in All Black Sevens team, remembering we've had a lot of injuries, losing Ben Lam of course"

He said they've only got Ahki for the next two tournaments, but it gives him an opportunity to put his hand up to go to Rio.

However Sir Tietjens said if the Hurricanes get any injuries in that time, Ahki will go back to Super Rugby.

Sonny Bill Williams and Issac Te Tamaki both return from respective injuries which ruled them out of the recent tournaments in Las Vegas and Vancouver.

The All Blacks Sevens are currently third in the series after winning the recent Canada Sevens in Vancouver, two points behind leaders Fiji.

Radio Sport