The Australian Sevens have confirmed Dietrich Roache, Henry Hutchison, Josh Turner and Henry Paterson have all re-signed for the next two seasons.
The group have become core members of John Manenti's side, helping Australia to their first HSBC World Series title.
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“The signing of these four players will provide a huge boost to our squad going forward, as we continue to establish ourselves as a unified team,” Manenti said in a statement
“Though Henry Hutchison is only 25, he has a vast array of experience on the Sevens circuit. His leadership, consistency and durability make him an invaluable asset to our programme.
“Dietrich Roache and Henry Paterson were both nominated for Rookie of the Year during the World Series, and Roache was the leading point scorer across all teams. This duo represents the new generation of Aussie Sevens players, who compete without fear, attack from all over the park and aim up when we don’t have the ball.
“Josh Turner has become an invaluable staple of the team and is our go-to man when we need a kick-off back. Now – with a few years under his belt and the ability to play every position in the back line – Josh’s commitment is further endorsement to where we are heading as a group.”
Hutchison headlines the re-signings, stepping up as a key leader in the squad since bursting onto the scene in 2015.
“The group is made up of very genuine, authentic people, which contributes to our friendship both on and off the field,” Hutchison said.
“We’re developing our understanding about consistent accountability and being able to deliver results under pressure, which is easier when you enjoy your time together as teammates.
“I’m looking forward to another two years here at Rugby Australia, with a squad that shares the same passion for the Sevens game that I do.”
He is joined by fellow Olympians Roache and Turner, excited to re-commit to the program as they prepare to head to Dubai.
"I’m a proud Western Sydney kid and I’m so passionate about sharing my love of the Sevens game with the next generation of rugby players,” Roache said.
“Being a part of an amazing team of coaches and players made re-signing such an easy decision for me – I’m looking forward to furthering the legacy we are building for ourselves, Rugby Australia and our supporters.
“We’re a bunch of ‘misfits’ from all over Australia who consistently put in the work together, challenge one another and seek to better ourselves, which gives us the confidence to tackle any tournament we enter.”
“Sevens is the only sport that allows me to compete in the World Series, the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games – all of which have been a childhood dream of mine,” Turner added.
“A huge driver behind my re-signing was the prospect of seeing our hard work pay off to take home the ultimate achievement: an Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games. “
Paterson rounds out the signings, eager to push for Paris in 2024 after he was a late withdrawal from Tokyo due to injury.
“It’s a game that affords us amazing opportunities to travel around the world with my mates and play footy, what more could you want?” he remarked
“We’re such a tight unit and are building towards something pretty special – being offered the option to continue working in that environment was a no-brainer, for me.”
