Former Aussie Sevens player David Grimmond will take the helm of the University of Canberra side in next month's University Sevens.
Grimmond has been coaching rugby sevens since the late 19902 and has headed the Brumbies' Sevens program since 2011, adding a 2015 stint with the Aussie Women’s Development team to his resume.
Taking the reins of the newly created UC Women’s Sevens unit ahead of the inaugural series is a challenge Grimmond is looking forward to, conscious of the competition's broader potential.
“The AON Uni 7s Series is an exciting initiative and I’m thrilled to be leading the University of Canberra in its inaugural year,” he said.
“This is a huge step forward not just for Rugby Sevens in Canberra and the surrounding region, but for the sport altogether.
“We have a lot of talented players running around in our region and it’s great to see them receiving more opportunities to play sevens."
Grimmond will finalise the full squad next week, bolstered by the inclusion of new young Aussie Sevens star Cassie Staples who joins Sharni Williams as the one of two marquee players in the University of Canberra’s line-up.
Staples comes into the squad as a replacement for the originally nominated Brooke Anderson who has been forced out through injury.
Scouting talent from both the local area and southern NSW, Grimmond believes he is building a side which will put up a serious challenge for the first series title.
“I’ve been really pleased with the progress the squad has made in a short period of time,” he said.
“We’ve got a mix of experienced players and women who are new to the sport. What the newcomers lack in experience they make up for in natural athletic ability and enthusiasm.”
The majority of the final squad will consist of students from the university, underlining its commitment to providing avenues through which sporting ambitions can be realised.
