Sonny Bill Williams has been included in the New Zealand Sevens squad for the Olympic Games in Rio.

However, there was no place in the team for Liam Messam.

The squad features the return of Scott Curry, who will captain the side for the first time since injuring his shoulder at the Dubai Sevens.

'The Olympic Games is the pinnacle in world sport, so to get an opportunity to go is really special. We know it's going to be a massive challenge – everyone will be eyeing that gold medal. Having said that we think we have a pretty strong team so we will certainly be giving it our best shot,' he said.

New Zealand Sevens squad – Scott Curry (c), Sam Dickson, DJ Forbes, Akira Ioane, Rieko Ioane, Gillies Kaka, Tim Mikkelson, Augustine Pulu, Teddy Stanaway, Regan Ware, Joe Webber, Sonny Bill Williams.

Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty Images