Australia has named its squad for the opening round of the of the 2019-2020 women's Sevens World Series in the US next weekend.
The Aussies will be looking to establish a winning formula in the opening leg in Colorado as they begin the countdown to the defence of their Olympic gold medal in Tokyo next year.
The women's world series has been expanded to eight rounds, from the previous six, with the US the first stop on the tour that includes the Sydney Sevens on February 1-2.
Australia will meet Spain, Fiji and Canada in a tough Pool C with the first match kicking off on Sunday October 6 against the Spanish.
The squad includes Cassie Staples, who makes her return following a strong pre-season and performance for the winning University of Queensland side in the Aon Uni 7s earlier this month, while Madison Ashby will make her debut for Australia.
Head coach John Manenti said there was real excitement at getting back to playing international rugby after a strong pre-season.
“This year is a massive year for the Women’s game. We have the expanded Series as well as the Olympics in Japan and this is going to be a great challenge for the game," Manenti said.
“I know we are really looking forward to the next year and to putting in the hard work together for each other.
“Canada, Spain and Fiji present three different styles of rugby for us to deal with, so we will have to be adaptive."
Menenti also welcomed Ashby's addition to the squad after coming through the sevens development pathway.
“Maddison’s (Ashby) moment to earn her first International cap has been a long time coming," he said.
"She’s been one of the finds of our pathway and has played well for the Aussie youth girls and in the Aon Uni 7s series. She’s raring to go for her first cap and I know she’ll be ready.”
All matches from day one will be streamed LIVE on World Rugby’s Facebook.
SCHEDULE
Sunday 6 October
Australia v Spain, 1:53am
Australia v Fiji, 5:37am
Australia v Canada, 8:43am
SQUAD
1.Shannon Parry, University of Sydney, 25 caps
2. Sharni Williams, University of Canberra, 30 caps
3. Sariah Paki, University of Technology, Sydney, 5 caps
4. Cassandra Staples, University of Queensland, 7 caps
5. Emma Tonegato, University of Western Australia, 26 caps
6. Evania Pelite, University of Adelaide, 24 caps
7. Charlotte Caslick, Bond University, 31 caps
8. Madison Ashby, University of Technology Sydney
9. Lauren Brown, Bond University, 4caps
10. Alicia Lucas (nee Quirk), University of New England, 29 caps
11. Rhiannon Byers, University of New England, 1 cap
12. Ellia Green, University of Melbourne, 25 caps
13th Yasmin Meakes, University of Canberra, 8 caps
