All Blacks Sevens veteran Tim Mikkelson has been scratched from next week's Hong Kong Sevens, after suffering an achilles injury in training.
After an injury impacted two years, Mikkelson was named for his 99th sevens tournament for the All Blacks Sevens, as part of a 13-strong New Zealand side to travel to Hong Kong.
Aside from the Tokyo Olympics, Mikkelsen hasn't played a tournament for the All Blacks Sevens since March 2020, when New Zealand claimed victory in Vancouver.
The NZ squad also sees the return of Joe Webber, Dylan Collier and Leroy Carter, all of whom missed the Rugby World Cup Sevens through injury.
The All Blacks Sevens have been drawn to face Samoa, Australia and hosts Hong Kong in the pool stages.
All Blacks Sevens: Kurt Baker, Leroy Carter, Dylan Collier, Sam Dickson, Moses Leo, Ngarohi McGarvey-Black, Sione Molia, Tone Ng Shiu, Amanaki Nicole, Akuila Rokolisoa, Regan Ware, Joe Webber
