Six Uni7s stars are set to have their first taste of international sevens, when the Aussie Sevens take on New Zealand in Bendigo.
Australia will meet New Zealand in a five-match series in the regional Victorian town, in a precursor to the 2017-18 World Series.
Mackenzie Sadler (University of Queensland), Page McGregor (Macquarie University), Katie Harrison (Macquarie University), Yasmin Meakes (University of Canberra), Olivia White (University of Tasmania) and Lauren Brown (Griffith University) all impressed in the domestic series, earning a call-up to the Bendigo squad.
The Aussies won’t be lacking in star power, with co-captain Sharni Williams and Uni7s player of the series Emilee Cherry, along with Rio gold medallists Charlotte Caslick, Evania Pelite and Alicia Quirk also lining up in the team for the trans-Tasman encounters.
Aussie sevens coach Tim Walsh said the series would be a welcome challenge for the side.
“We’re really looking forward to taking Sevens to Bendigo and it’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to showcase Rugby Sevens in regional Victoria,” he said.
“New Zealand were the champions for the 2016-2017 season and set the bench mark last year. This series provides with an excellent opportunity to test ourselves as we continue our preparation for the HSBC Sevens World Series.
“The players who have been selected from the Aon University Sevens Series to join our squad have all shown real promise this year. Taking the next step to an International Series is going to test them on a whole new level and I look forward to seeing how they respond to that.”
The squad will arrive in Bendigo on Wednesday October 18, with games kicking off on Thursday October 19.
Squad
Squad to play New Zealand in Bendigo, Victoria:
Alicia Quirk (University of New England)
Charlotte Caslick (Bond University)
Mahalia Murphy (University of Adelaide)
Evania Pelite (University of Adelaide)
Sharni Williams (University of Canberra)
Emilee Cherry (University of Queensland)
Cassie Staples (University of Canberra)
Dom Du Toit (Macquarie University)
Nicole Beck (University of Tasmania)
Emma Sykes (University of Queensland)
Hannah Southwell (University of New England)
Brooke Walker (Bond University)
Shanice Parker (University of Tasmania)
Mackenzie Sadler (University of Queensland)
Page McGregor (Macquarie University)
Katie Harrison (Macquarie University)
Yasmin Meakes (University of Canberra)
Olivia White (University of Tasmania)
Lauren Brown (Griffith University)
FIXTURE
Australia vs New Zealand series, Bendigo
Thursday October 19
Australia vs New Zealand, 6.30pm AEDT
Friday October 20
Australia vs New Zealand, 3.30pm AEDT
Australia vs New Zealand, 6.30pm AEDT
Saturday October 21
Australia vs New Zealand, 3.30pm AEDT
Australia vs New Zealand, 6.30pm AEDT
