McTaggart is one of seven new faces named in the Australian squad for the Hong Kong Sevens.

The country’s next generation will take centre stage at the world famous tournament as Australia concentrates on their preparation for the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

McTaggart made his Australian debut last year in Fiji, when he captained the team.

Fellow Riverina product, Dylan Pietsch, has also been named in the 12-man squad.

Australian coach Andy Friend said it was the perfect opportunity to give some of the game’s brightest prospects a chance at the top level.

“We set the Commonwealth Games as a key tournament at the start of the season so Hong Kong will be a great opportunity for some of our younger players to get some World Series experience,” Friend said.

"So many of these young guys have been working so hard for so long, so this is their chance to impress and there's no bigger stage than Hong Kong.

“We have some quality players in our squad.”

Australia are in Pool B alongside Spain, Canada and Kenya.

They face Spain at 9.32pm AEST on Friday, before games against Canada (2.48pm) and Kenya (7.10pm) on Saturday.

Australia are currently fourth on the World Series standings and sit eight points behind third-placed New Zealand with four events left to play.