The Australian Men’s Sevens team have secured the signatures of five future stars with Lachlan Anderson, Charlie Taylor, Boyd Killingworth, Dylan Pietsch and Tim Anstee all inking new deals today.
Killingworth and Anstee have signed with an eye to the Tokyo Olympics - locking in deals until the end of 2020.
Anderson has signed on until August 2018, with Taylor and Pietsch locked in until August 2019.
Anstee, Anderson and Taylor were a revelation in the 2016/17 HSBC Sevens World Series after making their debuts under Andy Friend this season.“These are four very important re-signings as we build to the Commonwealth Games and Sevens World Cup next year, as well as the Tokyo Olympics in 2020," coach Friend said.
“Boyd has been a pillar of strength for us this season while Dylan has really stepped up since making his debut in Wellington this year.
"Charlie has added some fantastic finishing ability since crossing over from rugby league.
“Both Tim and Lachie have really impressed in their first season on the World Series, and have earned the right to gain full contracts."I see the pair of them being crucial members of the squad through to Tokyo.
"Tim has made his intentions known signing through to 2020, and I'm hoping Lachie will follow suit in the next 12 months."
“We will continue to lock in talent ahead of the Dubai opener in December, but I’m also keeping one eye firmly fixed on giving more players opportunities in the off-season as we continue to grow the playing base."
The team finished sixth in the 2016/17 HSBC Sevens World Series, following a sixth-place finish in London at the weekend.