World class talent headlines the Bond University squad for the inaugural Women’s Aon Uni 7s, set to kick-off in Launceston tomorrow.
That world class talent comes in the form of Australian Sevens champion and 2016 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, Charlotte Caslick, as well as Irish national representative Stacey Flood.
Flood has been named captain of the squad which boasts talent from the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales.
Bond University Sevens coach, Ben Gollings admits choosing a squad for the opening round was not an easy task.
“The team is highly competitive and selecting just twelve players was challenging, but I’m pleased to say we’ve found the squad we were looking for,” he said.
“Our recent practice match against UNE was really useful for me to see how the team played together, to test out some combinations for the future and most importantly to give the girls the chance to bond as a team - which they did brilliantly.”
Gollings is particularly pleased with the inclusion of world-class talents of Caslick and Flood and expects both women will have a strong influence on the weekend’s outcome.
“Our new Irish import Stacey Flood is proving a great addition, and will definitely be one to watch,” said Gollings.
“It’s also great to see our local talent performing at such a high level.
"Trinity Mamoe, Sissy Masters and Jess Elliston are just some of the incredible local girls we anticipate will have a big impact in the nationwide tournament."
Gollings is keen to finally get the tournament underway after such a long build-up with expectations of its outcomes running high.
“It’s going to be very interesting to see all the teams in action for the first time in Tassie," he said.
"The build-up to this tournament has been intense and the girls are champing at the bit to get started.
“They’ve been working really well together at training and are highly collaborative, which bodes well for our performance against the other teams.
“We’re excited about the future and what this tournament will mean in terms of the development of Women’s rugby here in Australia.”
SQUAD
Bond University squad for inaugural Uni 7s
Sophie Holyman
Madison Schuck
Jess Elliston
Georgie Paige
Claire Boles
Sissy Masters
Bailey Marshall
Stephanie Rutherford
Stacey Flood (c)
Trinity Mamoe
Katie Heffernan
Charlotte Caslick
