'No place we'd rather be': Levis commit future to Australian Rugby

Wed, Nov 22, 2023, 2:26 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Levi sisters have re-signed with Australian Rugby. Photo: Getty Images
The Levi sisters have re-signed with Australian Rugby. Photo: Getty Images

Sevens superstars Maddison and Teagan Levi are eager to build long-lasting legacies in the sport as they sign a two-year extension.

The deals will keep them in the sport until the end of the 2025-26 Sevens season, having initially signed on until the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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In doing so, they reject offers from multiple codes eager to sign two of the best under-21 athletes in Australian sport. Both were drafted by the Gold Coast Suns in AFLW, with Teagan a top ten pick whilst Maddison was their leading goal-scorer in 2021.

"There's no other place we'd rather be than Rugby Australia," Maddison told reporters.

"The growth we've had over the past two years, it was without a doubt exciting to sign that contract.

"They play on your mind but once we made the transition to Sevens, you can't put a price in it...you get to compete at the highest level for our country and nothing in the sports we were looking at compares to actually being on par with that. To compete against the likes of France and New Zealand, nothing compares."

"It was definitely a temptation (to leave Sevens) but you can't beat travelling around the world," Teagan believes.

"Sevens provides the opportunity to go meet friends and other people around the world but also play something that you'd love. Also, to do it with my family, a piece of home coming everywhere with me, you can't beat that.

"The game is only growing in women's sports so I think we're really excited to see what the next few years hold."

Since their World Series debuts almost exactly two years ago, the sisters have quickly established themselves as genuine stars of an all-powerful Australian side.

Maddison was nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year after breaking the record for most tries in a season with 57 tries in 42 matches.

Teagan's rise has been more steady but her performances last year saw her cement her spot in the starting side and included in the Hong Kong Dream Team in the inaugural women's event.

"To have such talent commit to Rugby is a huge credit to the program but also to Rugby Australia," coach Tim Walsh added.

"It's such a competitive environment and the services of these two are very sought after in a thriving women's sport (landscape) so to have them commit to Sevens is just a huge bonus to Rugby Australia, Rugby and women's sport.

"It's pretty ridiculous when I look at the way they train, the way they immerse themselves in their work. You then look at their age, their athletic qualities and their determination, I think there's two types of players - winners and losers - and they're certainly winners."

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