Wagga product Dunbar to make Aussie Sevens debut in LA

But Stu Dunbar is hopeful North America will be the launching pad to realising an Olympic dream after being selected to make his Australian Sevens debut at Los Angeles this weekend.

The 27-year-old, who played one Super Rugby match for Melbourne Rebels last year, has recovered from a four month layoff with a knee injury in time to be given the nod for the LA and Canadian legs.

The fly-half was stuck behind superstar Quade Cooper at Melbourne and with Tokyo looming, viewed it as the ideal time to jump ship to the abridged version of the game.

"Stu was playing second fiddle behind Quade and he was offered another contract (by Melbourne), but it wasn't a step forward," Dunbar's father Steve said.

"They (sevens) approached him during the Rebels campaign and one thing led to another. It (injury) was a setback, but he's worked his way back and been lucky enough to be picked in the squad.

"It's a national team, he's playing for his country. That in itself is an achievement, it's something he's always wanted to do."

Sevens skipper Nick Malouf believes Dunbar's experience, which includes a number of Shute Shield premierships, will help him hit the ground running immediately.

"Stuey's got a bit of maturity on his side, a really good understanding of the game, and can pull the strings and conduct," Malouf said.

"Despite him being on debut, I think he's got a level head on him and he's definitely earned his touring spot and debut in LA."

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