Netballers, surf lifesavers and water polo players were all vying for a rugby sevens future today in Auckland.
Included amongst the hopefuls is Northern Mystics star Grace Kukutai who is running into the unknown chasing her Olympic gold medal dream.
"I fell in love with it (sevens rugby) and realised I can tackle and I don't mind being hit and I'm actually tough,' she told Newshub.
"It was a revelation for me I think."
At least Kakutai arrived in rugby from a sport where your legs are an important factor in how successful you can be.
Water polo player Ronan Gogarty-Watson has dived in the deep end but believes rugby is a more viable option when it comes to professional sport.
"Probably as a New Zealander, being a strong rugby nation," he said.
"We're still on the come up in Water polo."
The Ignite Sevens is where the Olympic dreams of 96 talented athletes could start with Talent Development Manager Chad Tuoro eyeing up fresh talent.
"What we do find is athletes that come from other sports may have some physical attributes you can't coach," Tuoro said.
His job is to recognise their potential, but it may take years to develop their talent sufficiently.
Realistically, an unheralded rugby player is more likely to succeed.
Much like William Warbrick who showed up last year and is now in the All Blacks Sevens team.
"We can't capture everyone in the rugby system and people grow at different times," Tuoro said.
But it's worth a punt on athletes like Grace Kukutai even though she is still finding her feet.
"Well .... we did a bit of scum practice and I got smashed!" she said.
"I need to work on that."
