All Blacks star Liam Messam has been named in New Zealand's 14‑man sevens squad for Las Vegas and Vancouver 7s.
The 31‑year‑old All Blacks back‑row last played sevens in 2010 when he helped New Zealand win gold at the Commonwealth Games in India.
It is not yet known whether he will make the final 12 for Las Vegas next week as coach Gordon Tietjens is also aware of the fitness challenge for 15s players.
Tietjens has made five changes to the side that won in Sydney following the return of several key players to Super Rugby, including brothers Akira and Rieko Ioane.
New Zealand have never won in Las Vegas.
New Zealand is in Pool A with Kenya, Portugal and Russia.
New Zealand squad:
Kurt Baker, Dylan Collier, Sam Dickson, DJ Forbes, Gillies Kaka, Josh Van Lieshout, Liam Messam, Tim Mikkelson (captain), Sione Molia, Lewis Ormond, Sherwin Stowers, Beaudein Waaka, Regan Ware, Sonny Bill Williams.
