Coach Gordon Tietjens has named an experienced squad to begin New Zealand’s defence of their sevens rugby world series title in Australia next week.

Veteran forward DJ Forbes will captain the 12-man squad at the tournament on the Gold Coast on October 12-13 as the Kiwis begin the pursuit of a 12th series title.

Among 10 players who were involved in the 2012-13 series are long-serving trio Tomasi Cama, Tim Mikkelson and Lote Raikabula.

There are nine tournaments in the series, finishing in London on May 10-11.

New Zealand: DJ Forbes (capt), Tomasi Cama, Scott Curry, Ambrose Curtis, Sam Dickson, Mark Jackman, Tim Mikkelson, Waisake Naholo, Lote Raikabula, Sherwin Stowers, Belgium Tuatagaloa, Joe Webber.