Three of the All Blacks Sevens most capped and successful players, Tim Mikkelson, Scott Curry and Sam Dickson are stepping away from international rugby.
Few have achieved more than this trio, who have World Series, World Cup and Commonwealth Games titles to their names, as well as all captaining the side at different times.
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Tim Mikkelson is the most experienced player of the three, earning the most caps of any player in All Blacks Sevens history. Debuting in 2007, Mikkelson is the fourth highest try scorer in the game, and his 104 appearance ranks him the second most capped player in international sevens history.
Long serving captain of the team, Scott Curry goes out still as one of the world’s leading forwards after an impressive performance at the Paris Olympics. Curry debuted in 2010 and amassed 71 caps for the team.
Sam Dickson, who was the most recent of the three to captain the side, made his debut in 2012, he has 77 caps to his name which include three Commonwealth Games and three Sevens Rugby World Cups.
New Zealand Rugby’s Head of Men’s High Performance Mike Anthony paid tribute to the players.
“Scott, Tim and Sam have all made a significant contribution on and off the field to the All Blacks Sevens during their tenure. They have left an incredible mark on the game and have added to the legacy of the All Blacks Sevens.
“The success they have had in the black jersey is credit to their leadership, work ethic and dedication to the game. On behalf of New Zealand Rugby, I want to thank them for their incredible service and wish them well for their future endeavours,” said Anthony.
While Dickson has confirmed his retirement from all rugby, Mikkelson and Curry are stepping back from professional rugby.