The All Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens squads have been named for the first rounds of the World Series with both sides generally going with experienced players.
New Zealand's D J Forbes (L) and New Zealand's Tim Mikkelson (R) tackle Kenya's Bush Mwale in the men’s rugby sevens match between New Zealand and Kenya during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Photo: AFP
Scott Curry will again captain the men's squad which includes Tim Mikkelson, DJ Forbes, Dylan Collier, Beaudein Waaka, Sherwin Stowers and Isaac Te Tamaki.
Olympic silver medalist Sarah Goss again captains the women's side.
Men's co-coach Scott Waldrom said he has been impressed with the energy and excitement that he has seen with the team this week.
"I'm impressed with what I have seen in the squad. They have trained and trialed with real intent and are keen to rebuild some pride in the black jersey.
"Because our experienced players are bringing some real excitement to their game they have earned their place in the squad. We are also excited to bring back some players who have previously played sevens who have thrived in the Mitre 10 Cup, and also introduce some new talent to international rugby.
NZ women's sevens at the Olympics Photo: AFP
Womens head coach Allan Bunting said the upcoming Series was about building the foundations for the long-term success of the team.
"2016 has been a good year for the Black Ferns Sevens. We won silver at the Rio Olympics and were runners up in the last World Rugby Women's Sevens Series. The team has a lot to be proud about over the last four years and has helped inspire record numbers of women and girls to take up playing rugby.
"Dubai kicks off our new journey to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. There is a real sense of excitement and we can't wait to get going.
"Having Sevens introduced as an Olympic sport has changed the game. It means we now operate on a four-year preparation cycle and it has created a new pathway for athletes to become Olympians.
The womens team for Dubai in early December is:
Ruby Tui
Shakira Baker
Jordon Webber
Niall Williams
Sarah Goss (captain)
Michaela Blyde
Tyla Nathan-Wong
Kelly Brazier
Tenika Willison*
Katarina Whata-Simpkins
Portia Woodman
Rebekah Cordero-Tufuga*
Several players were unavailable to play in the opening tournament: Kayla McAlister, Gayle Broughton, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Shiray Tane, Stacey Waaka, Terina Te Tamaki, Lesley Ketu and (retired) Huriana Manuel, Carla Hohepa and Honey Hireme.
The mens team for Dubai and Cape Town is:
Scott Curry (Captain)
Tim Mikkelson
Antonio Kiri Kiri
DJ Forbes
Dylan Collier
Beaudein Waaka
Iopu Iopu-Aso
Rocky Khan
Sherwin Stowers
Jonathan Ruru*
Isaac Te Tamaki
Sione Molia
*new players
