Long serving All Blacks Sevens captain DJ Forbes is stepping down as the captain of the team. He has been a key part of the squad since 2006.
After much reflection and discussions with coach Gordon Tietjens, Forbes made the decision to give up the captaincy role.
He wants to make sure he is in the best possible shape to help his chances of being selected for the New Zealand Sevens team that will compete at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
Forbes says "I've had an awesome run with this team and this is just a change of guard. My key focus is on getting my body to 100 per cent and by stepping aside from the responsibilities of captain I can focus solely on what I need to do to get in the best shape mentally and physically. Titch and I agree this is the best way to get me to the Olympics.
"This also means I will be in a position to help grow another captain while I'm still involved and more importantly to put the team in good shape for the Olympics and beyond.
"My body doesn't bounce back quite like it used to and as an athlete I would never compromise anything and this way I know if I make the Olympics, it will be on merit and not by default.
Forbes is one of the most successful players to go through the squad.
Tietjens will name a successor to Forbes when the squad for the 2015/2016 season is named later on this month.