Australia’s rugby sevens gold medal defence is taking shape with Charlotte Caslick cleared for her return from injury to play in Sydney this weekend.

A star of the side’s Rio triumph four years ago, Caslick will pair with new mother Emilee Cherry for the first time since 2018 in the two-day world series event to be held at Parramatta’s Bankwest Stadium.

Cherry was doubtful after a bruising return in Hamilton last weekend, where the women finished fourth.

But on Thursday she was named alongside Caslick and fellow gold medallists Alicia Lucas, Ellia Green, Emma Tonegato, Shannon Parry and Sharni Williams.

Caslick has shrugged off a niggling hamstring injury and will face Spain, Ireland and France.

Only the winner of the pool will progress to the final four, with Australia second overall but yet to win any of the four legs this season.

“We’re getting closer to having a full squad available for selection from injury and its great to welcome Charlotte back to the fold who is really eager to get back out playing again,” coach John Manenti said.

“We have a huge task ahead of us this weekend but we’re enjoying that challenge, especially at our home tournament where we love to play.

“We took a lot of learnings out of Hamilton and this week we need to see growth in order to continue our development.”