NZ 7s rugby

The teams would not have been able to re-enter Aotearoa after playing.

The All Blacks Sevens hope to be at the Vancouver men's round near the end of next month, but there's no guarantee given the travel rules.

New Zealand Rugby is currently investigating domestic tournament options for the teams while the borders remain closed.

Meanwhile, both teams have confirmed their squads for 2022, with two players set to make their Black Ferns Sevens debut.

The code-hopping superstar has started preparations for his latest sporting quest - an Olympic sevens gold medal with Tietjens and co in Rio this year.

And judging by his latest post on Twitter, the transition to the abbreviated format has certainly been an eye-opener for 'SBW'.

The New Zealand sevens team were so decimated by injuries at the Dubai Sevens that Tietjens asked tournament organisers whether there were grounds to forfeit their third-fourth playoff match against the United States.

Down to only six fully fit bodies in their final match, veteran Sherwin Stowers was then admitted to their growing injury ward with a broken arm.

That leaves captain Scott Curry, Tim Mikkelson, Stowers, Regan Ware and Gillies Kaka all facing early returns to New Zealand, meaning they will miss the Cape Town Sevens next weekend.