WOMEN'S SEVENS: Bay star rules out trip to Hong Kong | Hawkes Bay Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Hawkes Bay

Hawke's Bay's four-time Hong Kong Sevens champion Julie Ferguson has turned down an invitation to return to Hong Kong with Aotearoa Maori on March 26.

``It's too late notice with regard to work and family commitments,'' said the mother of two.

Ferguson is also preparing for a charity boxing bout against former New Zealand hockey rep Caryn Paewai on July 3. It will be one of several celebrity bouts aimed at promoting the anti-drink-driving message for Students Against Drink Driving.

Three Hawke's Bay Tuis players, Amy Williams, Chanel Huddleston and Claire Richardson, are in the Aotearoa side who will aim for seven titles from as many appearances in Hong Kong.

Ferguson and fellow Tui Shaylee Tipiwai are in another Aotearoa squad preparing for the Rome Sevens in June. Both squads are attending a training camp in Rotorua this weekend.

Aotearoa selector/coach Peter Joseph was surprised to receive a late invite to Hong Kong after organisers decided in 2008 only ``full national'' teams could participate in the tournament.

``It was disappointing to have been excluded from this tournament for the last two years,'' said Joseph.

``When we were contacted just over two weeks ago and asked if we would accept this belated invitation the immediate reaction was to say no thanks, but the opportunity to have our talented young players competing at this level internationally is more important than injured feelings.

``The prospect of a final between Australia, who will be seeking to defend their Hong Kong title, and Aotearoa Maori who will be looking to make it seven from seven, is certainly tantalising.''