Australia Women's Sevens coach Tim Walsh has confirmed a late change to his side as they prepare for this week's Hong Kong event.
Perth debutant Heidi Dennis has been ruled out, picking up an ankle injury ahead of the sixth leg of the SVNS world series.
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Dennis was coming back from a thigh injury, missing the North American legs.
She has been replaced by potential debutant 19-year-old Ruby Nicholas, who has been added to the squad.
Nicholas has been a regular of the Australia A program, featuring in Fiji and Dubai towards the end of 2023.
The Gordon product has come through the NSW system, featuring in the AON Next Gen Sevens as well as the 2022 World School Sevens.
Nicholas is one of two debutants included by Walsh, with fellow NSW young gun Bridget Clark also included.
They will debut at the famous Hong Kong event, celebrating its 30th anniversary with a sold-out crowd.
"I’d say Hong Kong is the Mecca of the sevens circuit so it’s always awesome coming and playing here and great that we’re expecting a sell-out," men's star Matt Gonzalez said via World Rugby.
"The boys are pumped and this is a really crucial round for us so we’re excited to get out and put on a show for the fans.
Gonzalez also backs Wallabies legend Michael Hooper to shine as he makes his debut on the World Series circuit.
I don’t think you can put into words what he brings," Gonzalez added.
"His experience in rugby is something not many others have and having him come in is great, he’s very calm and very knowledgeable. But he’s also saying he’s a rookie and he’s having to learn how to play sevens.
"But for us it’s really exciting to have someone of his calibre in our team and just learn from him about how he goes about his processes.”
