Dubai: Amasio Valence is set to become the most experienced player on the IRB Sevens circuit after being named in New Zealand's squad for next week's Emirates Airline Dubai event.
The North Harbour playmaker has made 46 tournament appearances to date, a record he currently shares with Shane Thompson.
But although the Canadian veteran will be returning again to the emirate, it will be in a new role as national coach after hanging up his boots as Valence moves a step closer to what would be an extraordinary half century.
Master coach Gordon Tietjens has named three newcomers in his squad for Dubai with calls for pocket-sized Otago winger Hayden Pedersen, North Harbour's Zar Lawrence and Canterbury utility back Alfred Pelenise.
Their arrival is balanced by the selection of experienced performers such as Mana Ashford, Matua Parkinson and Justin Wilson who have all excelled in this team in the past. Tafai Ioasa, of Hawke's Bay, will wear the captain's armband.
Tietjens said: "All three did an outstanding job for their respective provinces and they stepped up during the trials. Plus they are quick and speed is a big ingredient in sevens.
"As for Matua, Justin and Mana, they bring experience to this squad. Overall, I am delighted with the talent we have available."
New Zealand are chasing a seventh straight IRB World Series title and their first tournament success in Dubai since 2002.
Group opponents Canada, meanwhile, have been significantly bolstered by the selection of experienced campaigner Morgan Williams.
The Stade Francais scrum-half made his sevens debut in 1998 and joins the squad fresh from Canada's tour of France and Romania along with Mark Lawson, Derek Daypuck and Adam Kleeberger.
There are first sevens caps for Mark Lawson, a recent captain of the senior men's team, Robin McDowell, Jamie Collins and Geoff Warden.
New Zealand squad: Mana Ashford (Auckland), Edwin Cocker (Otago), Jason Hona (Bay of Plenty), Tafai Ioasa (captain, Hawke's Bay), Zar Lawrence (North Harbour), Lifeimi Mafi (Taranaki), Matua Parkinson (Bay of Plenty), Hayden Pedersen (Otago), Alfred Pelenise (Canterbury), Hayden Reid (Bay of Plenty), Amasio Valence (North Harbour), Justin Wilson (Wellington).
Canada squad: Derek Daypuck, Jamie Collins, Kyle Haley, Tony La Carte, Mark Lawson, Adam Kleeberger, Robin MacDowell, David Moonlight, Richard O'Malley, Akio Tyler, Geoff Warden, Morgan Williams.
