Former netballer Tanisha Stanton and ex-basketballer Chloe Dalton are set to make their debuts when the gun Australian women’s rugby sevens team begin their Olympic qualifying campaign.

The 2014-15 Rugby Sevens World Series beginning in Dubai next week doubles as qualifying for the sport’s entry to the Olympics with the top four teams gaining automatic entry for Rio 2016.

The Australians finished runner-up to New Zealand in the last world series and coach Tim Walsh is expecting the competition to be a lot harder this time around as many nations – including Australia – put more resources into chasing Olympic spots.

Stanton and Dalton were named in a 13-strong squad for the Dubai opener alongside established stars including skipper Sharni Williams, World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year Emilee Cherry and electric winger Ellia Green.

“I have picked a hungry, exciting and young side that has just spent its first full pre-season together after the Sevens program was centralised earlier this year,” said Walsh.

“I have been delighted with the progress that Tanisha and Chloe have made since switching from netball and basketball respectively.

“They have added genuine depth to our playing group. Both are raw talents, but they are reaping the rewards of the hard work they have put in during training.

“With so many countries centralising their Women’s Sevens program, this is undoubtedly going to be our toughest season to date.”

After Dubai the series heads to Brazil in February. Stops in the USA in March and Canada in April follow before the season ends in Europe with trips to Amsterdam and London in May.

Australian squad for Dubai: Charlotte Caslick, Emilee Cherry, Chloe Dalton, Gemma Etheridge, Ellia Green, Shannon Parry, Evania Pelite, Tiana Penitani, Alicia Quirk, Tanisha Stanton, Emma Tonegato, Amy Turner, Sharni Williams. (one to be omitted).