Ambrose Curtis a safe bet on NZ 7s return

Ambrose Curtis is back in a New Zealand sevens jumper.

The Manawatu winger last played for the New Zealand sevens team in 2015, and played for the New Zealand Maori on their northern tour in 2016.

Curtis comes into the squad for Rocky Khan, who was ruled out through injury.

Joe Webber, Sam Dickson, Lewis Ormond and Teddy Stanaway were also unavailable due to injury.

Curtis has been on a training contract with the Blues, leaving him in fine shape for the switch back to sevens.

‘‘It’s great to have a largely settled squad to take to North America,’’ interim New Zealand coach Scott Waldrom said.

‘‘The new players who debuted in the Wellington and Sydney tournaments have impressed this far, so it’s good to keep giving them game time and experience.’’

Waldrom was happy that the team lifted their performance in Sydney after a disappointing home tournament.

New Zealand defeated Fiji in the Sydney Sevens quarterfinals, a big scalp for a group on the rebuild. Russia, Argentina and Kenya await in the Las Vegas Sevens pool for New Zealand.

New Zealand women’s sevens coach Allan Bunting has also named his side for the Las Vegas Sevens, the first time the women’s tournament will be played alongside the men’s in the United States.

Impressive playmaker Cheyelle Robins-reti has been named in the playing 12 for the first time, as they play Brazil, England and Australia in their pool.

Bunting said he wants consistency and continuity from his side in Las Vegas.