Sevens recall caps comeback

Lavinia Gould, right, returns to the New Zealand Sevens team for the first time since 2012. Photo / George Novak

The journey Lavinia Gould has travelled since a ban from playing sevens in late 2012 has had more pitfalls than moments to savour.

Gould has been on the outer since she unknowingly used a dietary supplement that was banned.

But the 34-year-old Bay of Plenty halfback never lost sight of her dream of getting back in black.

Head coach Sean Horan yesterday told her she was in the squad to contest the final two legs of the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series in London and Amsterdam.

"You have a dream and it is how much you want it and that is really what drives you," Gould said. "It drove me for the two years and it is still driving me."

The Mount Maunganui resident says next year's Rio Olympics were the underlying driving force behind her keeping fit and focused over the long period out of the game.

"I never lost sight of how much I love being out on the field. I just can't wait to get out there," she said.

"Of course there have been moments of self-doubt but again you just pick yourself up. The girls have been extremely helpful, kept driving me forward and keeping me going.

"Initially there was disappointment and anger. You go through all your stages but the quicker you let it go, the quicker you can move forward."

After waiting so long, Gould became available again in January. But a niggling knee injury and hamstring strain have delayed her return to the New Zealand team.

"Sure it has been frustrating but I have been patient. That has been my key word actually. Just be patient, be patient, it will come and now I just want to get out there and enjoy it."

Horan says it has been a true test of her character and testimony to a woman that is really chasing a dream.

"To go through the challenges that she has and the mistakes that were made and the learning along the way, she is truly living it now," he said. "It is about getting her back on the bike.

"The game has developed so much so it is a chance for her to re-learn her trade and go from there. There won't be a lot of pressure put on Vins. She will be going in more as an understudy more than a starter at this stage."

•New Zealand have won all four of the six rounds played so far in the competition (Dubai, Brazil, USA and Canada) and lead the points table on 80, followed by Canada on 58, and Australia on 56. The final two tournaments are in London May 15-16 and Amsterdam May 22-23.