Nathan-wong returns from concussion
Tyla Nathan-wong returns to action at this week’s Dubai Sevens after concussion symptoms ruled her out of contention for this year’s sevens and 15s World Cups.
The 28-year-old has been picked in the Black Ferns’ sevens squad for the tournament that starts the women’s season tonight with the All Blacks sevens resuming in the men’s campaign after finishing ninth in the opening leg in Hong Kong in November.
Nathan-wong, who has won every major honour in a decorated sevens career, briefly switched to 15s in an attempt to make the Black Ferns’ squad for their first World Cup in New Zealand.
She made her test debut at halfback for the Black Ferns against Australia in August when they won 52-5 in Christchurch to retain the O’reilly Cup.
However, a head knock suffered after coming off the bench in the second half led to lingering concussion symptoms. She wasn’t selected for the Sevens World Cup in September, when her sevens sisters were beaten by Australia 24-22 in the Cape Town final, or the Black Ferns’ World Cup squad named that month.
Nathan-wong appears to have recovered, however, and was given the green light to resume training ahead of the sevens season before her selection for Dubai.
A playmaker in sevens, she is one of the most experienced players in their squad of 14 with other gold medallists from last year’s Tokyo Olympics, such as Michaela Blyde, Kelly Brazier, Shiray Kaka and Risaleaana PouriLane. None of the World Cupwinning Black Ferns – Sarah Hirini, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Stacey Fluhler, Portia Woodman and Ruby Tui – have been considered because they’re taking a break after each playing a key role in the team’s success.
They will be back in contention soon – the Hamilton Sevens on January 21-22 could mark their return – to resume playing sevens in a season where qualification spots for the 2024 Paris Olympics are on the line.
The All Blacks sevens, who collected silver at the Tokyo Olympics, finished ninth last month in their season’s first tournament in Hong Kong. Defeats to Australia and Samoa in pool play meant they missed the knockout stages.