Wallabies spring tourist Nick Phipps has been named in coach Michael O'Connor's Australian squad for the opening two legs of the Sevens World Series, which gets underway in Dubai next month.

Phipps, a spring tour bolter for the seven-match trip through Hong Kong and Europe, made his debut off the bench in the mid-week Australian side's 15-6 loss to Munster at Thomond Park.

The Melbourne Rebels recruit returns to the Sevens fold as one of four Commonwealth Games silver medallists who feature in the 12-man squad - alongside new captain Bernard Foley, vice-captain Ed Jenkins and Shaun Foley.

The Delhi quartet will provide the experienced backbone in the largely inexperienced squad which will compete in Dubai on December 2-3 before contesting the South African tournament in George the following weekend.

Coach O'Connor has welcomed the return of Phipps.

"Nick didn't get a lot of game time in Europe but the whole experience for him was fantastic," O'Connor said.

"He was really keen to come back and play, he's had a season with us now and towards the end of the year he was just outstanding.

"He just offers so much energy and passion for the game."

Australia won the Plate final in Dubai in 2009 and are every chance to improve on that result after being drawn in a favourable pool which could help them stay in the top side of the draw.

In Pool C, Australia will take on South Africa, who they beat to reach the gold medal playoff at the Games, and also battle Scotland and Russia.

Australia finished a commendable third overall last season to achieve their best world series result since 2000-01.

After the first two tournaments, the Sevens World Series moves on to events in New Zealand, the US in February before stops in Hong Kong, Australia, England and Scotland.

A change to the 2011 calendar sees the Hong Kong event in March precede the Australian leg of the tournament which will be staged at Adelaide Oval on April 2-3.

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