Australia’s Men’s Sevens program has received another boost with the confirmed signing of Nick Cummins, as the squad set their sights on the remainder of the 2015-16 HSBC Sevens World Series and ahead to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Following on from the recent introductions of World Cup Wallaby Henry Speight, and former Waratah and Melbourne Rebel, Tom Kingston, to the international Sevens arena, and the appointment of former ACT Brumbies supremo Andy Friend to the role of head coach, Cummins’ arrival will bring yet more top level quality and experience to the short-form table.

Already accustomed to the Sevens environment having racked up eight appearances in the World Series, and featured alongside current squad stalwarts Ed Jenkins and James Stannard as the Australian Sevens earned a Silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, the ‘Honey Badger’ is champing at the bit to return to the gold jersey.

“I’m keen as mustard to get this opportunity to play Sevens again,” said the 28-year-old. “She’s a big year, we all know why.

“To make the team, you’ve got to get on the burst and perform – and that’s what I intend on doing.”

Cummins will link up with the squad in March after completing his stint in Japan’s Top League with Coca Cola Red Sparks, and is available for selection for the last four legs of the World Series and through to the conclusion of the Olympics in August.

“Conversations between Nick and his management and the ARU have been ongoing for a while now but we’re delighted to be able to bring him into the squad,” said Andy Friend. “He’ll bring a wealth of knowledge into the squad and his previous experience in Sevens will stand him in good stead.

“The fact he has signed for a large chunk of the Sevens World Series once he has fulfilled his obligations in Japan underlines his commitment to helping the team succeed in what is a huge year for Sevens in 2016.”

The Sevens World Series gets underway again in a fortnight with Wellington hosting round three before rugby’s greatest travelling circus comes to town on the 6th/7th February as Sydney hosts the Australian leg of the tour for the first time. Australia currently sit in 8th place on the Series standings.

**************************************

Factfile:

Nick Cummins (Wallaby No 864)
Height: 1.89cm
Weight: 99kg
Born: 5 October 1987
Super Rugby Caps: 87 (Western Force)
Wallaby Test Caps: 15
Wallaby Test Debut: Argentina v Australia, Rosario, 6 October 2012

2015-16 HSBC Sevens World Series Remaining Dates:
Round 3: 29-30 January 2016 – Wellington, New Zealand
Round 4: 6-7 February 2016 – Sydney, Australia
Round 5: 4-6 March 2016 – Las Vegas, USA
Round 6: 12-13 March 2016 – Vancouver, Canada
Round 7: 8-10 April 2016 – Hong Kong
Round 8: 16-17 April 2016 – Singapore
Round 9: 14-15 May 2016 – Paris, France
Round 10: 21-22 May 2016 – London, England