Cherry, Pelite locked in through to Tokyo

Thu, Aug 30, 2018, 9:00 PM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Emilee Cherry has committed through to the 2020 Olympics. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley
Emilee Cherry has committed through to the 2020 Olympics. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

Aussie Sevens stars Emilee Cherry and Vani Pelite have re-signed through to 2020.

It's a major boon for the program with female athletes in higher demand than ever before as women's sports grow.

Cherry is one of the cornerstones of the Australian side and sits third on the all-time women's Sevens points scoring list.

“Emilee’s vision for the game, ability to counter attack from anywhere and cause headaches for defences is unrivalled," Australian women's Sevens coach John Manenti said.

"She’s also hungry to go further in the jersey, which is awesome for our program.


“Vani is the quiet engine room of our side; she does the hard work up front and never takes a backward step in attack or defence.

“As we kick off our two-year Olympic cycle I know how much excitement there is in the group for what lies ahead and for what we can add to the history of the Aussie 7s Women’s jersey.”

Cherry said the new deal gave her clarity on the next stage of her career.

“I’m really proud to be continuing my journey with the Aussie 7s and I know have a clear journey to where I want to go with my rugby heading into 2020.

“This is a really exciting time for our game and to have seen the growth we have enjoyed in this sport since I started with the program is amazing.


“There’s going to be a lot of hard work, bruised bodies and ice baths between now and 2020 but I am really enjoying our program and can’t wait to get stuck in to the hard work.”

Pelite has been one of the rising stars in the team and the 2017-18 season was her best yet.

"I am very happy to have locked in my future for the next two years with the Aussie Sevens," she said.

“Since joining in 2013 this team has been my family and I feel we are building something very special as a squad at the moment.

“We know the challenges we face as a team, but I am looking forward to meeting them and playing some great rugby along the way.”

The 2018-19 Women's Sevens World Series kicks off in Denver on Saturday October 20. 2019 Sydney 7s tickets are on sale now. Buy tickets here.

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