Inspirational Black Ferns Sevens star Sarah Hirini will return from knee injury to lead her team at the Paris Olympics, where they will attempt to back up their gold medal from Tokyo 2020.
Hirini, 31, has captained the NZ women since 2014, across an era that has included Olympics, Commonwealth Games (Gold Coast 2016) and Rugby World Cup Sevens (San Francisco 2018) triumph, as well as contributing to two World Cup XV crowns.
She helped New Zealand to the 2022/23 world series title, but ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee in last season's series opener at Dubai last December, ruling her out for the rest of the schedule.
Under the leadership of Risi Pouri-Lane, the team went on to retain their series title, before bowing to Australia in the playoff semi-finals at Madrid, where Hirini joined the contingent in an off-field capacity.
Coach Cory Sweeney has not specified a captain at this stage, with Hirini still required to pass fitness testing before July 2.
"We sat down six months ago and knew that it was achievable, but it would be tight," said Sweeney. "It's been pretty unbelievable seeing how hard 'Gossy' has worked to get back and we will really ramp up her involvement over the next six weeks."
Hirini, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Theresa Setefano and Tyla King have been named for their third Olympics, while Pouri-Lane, Michaela Blyde, Alena Saili and Stacey Waaka are survivors from the successful Tokyo campaign.
"Every Olympic cycle has its theme and this time round, we want to stamp our mark on history," said Sweeney. "We have players who have been here for 12 years and it's highly likely it might be their last tournament.
"On the other end, we have some players living out a childhood dream being named for the first time, so we need to channel those emotions."
Black Ferns Sevens: Michaela Blyde, Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Sarah Hirini, Tyla King, Jorja Miller, Manaia Nuku, Mahina Paul, Risaleeana Pouri-Lane, Alena Saili, Theresa Setefano, Stacey Waaka, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
Meanwhile, Scott Curry and Regan Ware have been named for their third Olympics, as the All Blacks Sevens try to improve on their Tokyo silver medals.
Six players - Curry, Ware, Dylan Collier, Andrew Knewstubb, Ngarohi McGarvey-Black and Tone Ng Shiu - return from that campaign.
The NZ men finished fourth in this year's highly competitive world series, but won consecutive tournaments at Hong Kong and Singapore.
All Blacks Sevens: Leroy Carter, Dylan Collier, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Scott Curry, Fehi Fineanganofo, Andrew Knewstubb, Moses Leo, Ngarohi McGarvey-Black, Tone Ng Shiu, Akuila Rokolisoa, Brady Rush, Regan Ware
