Melbourne Rebels new recruit Darby Lancaster is eager to give fans a taste of what to expect in 2024 as he returns to his Sevens roots.
Lancaster has joined the Sevens side in Perth ahead of the third round of the SVNS World Series on January 26-28.
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“Coming back into this team is a pleasure. I can’t speak highly enough of it and it’s a privilege to be back,” Lancaster told the media.
“I got called into (Nick) Stiles’ office a couple of weeks ago at the Rebels and he put it out to me and said if I wanted to go they were fully supportive of me so I jumped at the opportunity.
“...It’s all worked really smoothly and it’s nice to know the Rebels support me as much as my ambitions in Sevens or 15s.”
The 20-year-old was the breakout star of last year's World Series and looked to have turned his focus towards the 15-a-side game.
However, the former Australia U20 will feature this week and is set to become available in further events leading towards the Olympics as part of a collaborative deal with the Super clubs and the Sevens program.
“What I've been told is the requirement is I become available for a couple of tournaments leading into the Olympics...I’ll take it as it comes with selections, hopefully it can be a nice seamless transition back and forth," he admits.
“I’m keen to play footy just wherever that is. I want to get on the field with the Rebels but just as much here.
“…They’re just the best group of people down there. It’s a really good environment and an exciting year for the Rebels. They’re such good leaders and it’s really exciting to be playing underneath (coach Kevin Foote)."
Lancaster understands he'll have to work hard to earn his spot for July's Paris Olympics, with just six events left on the circuit.
The team also welcomed back Henry Hutchison and Matt Gonzalez after a second place finish in Cape Town.
“They looked really good in Cape Town…hopefully we can build off that and go one better this week," Lancaster added.
