Rugby Australia selects the University Women’s 7s 2023 Rising Stars Squad

Posted 30th October 2023

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Rugby Australia, in consultation with UniSport Australia, have selected a squad of 13 women student-athletes as the next University Women’s 7s Rising Stars.

The group of student-athletes were selected by Rugby Australia’s Shannon Parry (dual Olympian and National Emerging 7s Coach) and Ben Whitaker (Head of Rugby Services) during a gruelling two-day competition at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast at the UniSport Nationals Rugby 7s from 25-26 September 2023.

Image credit: Darren Hocking ©

11 universities from across Australia participated over the two days in hot conditions contending for the women’s Rugby 7s trophy as well as competing for a position on the Rising Stars squad.

Ben Whitaker, Rugby Australia Head of Rugby Services, said “It was exciting to see the widespread representation amongst the universities across Australia and the scope of talent within university women’s Rugby 7s.”

Following the two-day competition, Rugby Australia’s Brendan Whelan (Head of Athletic Performance National Pathways) and Matt Kan (Sports Science) conducted a performance development combine which tested a group of the athletes with speed drills and conditioning tests.

The Rising Stars squad will enter training camp in Queensland on Tuesday 7 November before competing at the Queensland State 7s Championship in Brisbane from 11-12 November 2023. The Uni 7s Rising Stars made their debut appearance at the Championship in 2022 and will look to have another successful appearance in 2023.

“The opportunity for these players to further develop their Rugby 7s skills and then compete against the best women’s Rugby 7s players in Australia is not only a tremendous opportunity for the athletes but shows the value of university sport in terms of the Women’s Rugby 7s development pathway,” commented Mark Sinderberry, UniSport Australia CEO.

“UniSport is excited to continue working with Rugby Australia to support the development of women’s rugby 7s, with the Rising Stars program forming part of the selection process for the World University Rugby 7s Championships in France in 2024.”