mens
Sevens
USA Under-20 full-back Dane Mitchell has emerged as a “big surprise” for the Australia The men’s sevens team ahead of the upcoming HSBC SVNS Series, which was unveiled as one of two roster additions ahead of the Olympic qualification campaign.
Mitchell scored a hat-trick against him England at the World Junior Rugby Championship in Georgia, where he made several appearances for the USA in the tournament. The full-back later played for Australia at the inaugural Kick On 7s in Sydney and was rewarded with a deal.
Liam Barry brought Mitchell and ACT Brumbies Academy squad member Chayse Geros enters the sevens group for the 2026/27 season, which begins later this month at the popular Emirates Dubai Sevens on November 28-29.
Mitchell grew up playing rugby in Rockdale, Sydney, and is currently a student at the University of Sydney. The fullback qualifies for dual national coverage, but takes a lot of confidence from a solid preseason with the team.
Geros, 19, will split his time between the sevens program and the Brumbies in 2028, but has now joined the national team full-time. The teenager will return to the Brumbies full-time next year in 2029.
Geros made it through Australia’s Under-18s and went on to the Global Youth Sevens, and made several appearances for Australia’s Under-20s before suffering an injury.
“We are really excited to welcome Chayse Geros to the program. Chayse has been through the World Schools Sevens and Under 20s. It will be great to watch him play at this next level,” said Australian Men’s Sevens Coach Liam Barry.
“Dane was a big surprise for us, after playing well against Fiji last month in Kick On 7s we’re excited to see him adapt to the format. Dane has speed, great ball skills and an aerobic engine which is a huge asset in our game.
“The team has had a good few weeks in preparation and we are looking forward to our first tournaments in Dubai and Cape Town. The 26/27 season has the added factor of qualifying for the Olympics, so we are aware of the importance of a good start.”