Rugby Union: Rhiannon Byers named in Australian women's sevens squad for Dubai tournament

Head coach John Manenti has named two debutants for the second leg of the series with Faith Nathan and Georgia Hannaway coming into the squad after starring for Australia in the sides' successful Oceania Sevens Championship win in Fiji earlier this month.

"Georgia and Faith have worked incredibly hard during the pre-season and we saw what they are capable of on the World Stage at the Oceania Sevens," head coach John Manenti said.

"Fast, creative and agile, both players have really made a mark for themselves in this squad and we're looking forward to seeing their development continue in the next round."

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The Aussies head to Dubai looking to continue their good form on the world circuit after finishing second in the opening round in the USA, and will face Fiji, Ireland and Spain in the pool stages.

"The Dubai Sevens is a great tournament with its own challenges and we're looking forward to our tough Pool B battle against Fiji, Ireland and Spain," Manenti said.

Australian Women's Sevens Fixtures:

Thursday 5 December

Australia v Fiji, 8.12pm AEDT

Friday 6 December

Australia v Ireland, 4.22pm AEDT

Australia v Spain, 9.34pm AEDT

Australian squad:

1. Shannon Parry, University of Sydney, Queensland, 26 caps

2. Sharni Williams (c), University of Canberra, Canberra, 31 caps

3. Sariah Paki, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 6 caps

4. Cassandra Staples, University of Queensland, NSW, 8 caps

5. Emma Tonegato, University of Western Australia, NSW, 26 caps

6. Evania Pelite, University of Adelaide, Queensland, 25 caps

7. Georgia Hannaway*, University of Queensland, Queensland

8. Madison Ashby, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 1 cap

9. Faith Nathan*, University of Technology Sydney, NSW

10. Alicia Lucas, University of New England, NSW, 30 caps

11. Rhiannon Byers, University of New England, NSW, 2 caps

12. Ellia Green, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 26 caps

*Denotes uncapped