Commonwealth Games: Madison Ashby’s new Rugby Sevens role and goal

Rugby Sevens speedster Madison Ashby is on a fast track to success - and redemption - after Tokyo Olympic disappointment with a shock new role.

Madi Ashby in her Olympic uniform prior to the Tokyo Olympics.

Just a few years ago Madison Ashby was the baby of the Australian Rugby Sevens team. Now she’s a leader on a mission of redemption at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham later this year.

Ashby, 21, made her Australian debut in 2018 as a precociously talented teenager and went to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 as a rising star of the sport.

In 2022 the wily playmaker has been elevated into the Australian team leadership group ahead of a year of big fixtures, including World Series events, the Commonwealth Games and Rugby Sevens World Cup in South Africa.

FIRST ATHLETES NAMED FOR COMM GAMES

A shattered Madison Ashby (L) with Charlotte Caslick at the Olympic Games. Pic: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Ashby, based on the northern beaches but who grew up and played her junior football at Penrith, has assumed the role under co-captains Demi Hayes and Charlotte Caslick.

“I didn’t expect it. I was shocked but very honoured and privileged,’’ said Ashby who was inspired to push for Tokyo after watching the Australian team win gold at the Rio Olympics as a sport mad schoolgirl.

Ashby’s age and experience makes her an ideal bridge between the younger players in the team and stalwarts.

“It doesn't make me nervous. I’ve been slotted into the role with a lot of support,’' she said.

“There is such a difference between the older and younger girls and I am in-between. The younger girls talk to me about issues. I think that’s why I got called in.’’

Madison Ashby on her way to scoring during the Oceania Sevens Challenge match.

The young gun said Australia’s disappointing campaign in Tokyo, where the bowed out in the quarter-finals to Fiji, is providing plenty of motivation ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

“We want to show the world what we are made of,’’ she said.

“Nothing fires you up like a loss.

“The Commonwealth Games and World Cup are the big goals.

“The Commonwealth Games will be about redemption. It’s is a big platform for us.’’

Next on the agenda for the women’s side is the World Series event in Canada from April 30-May 1).

A top two place here will secure the Aussie she mantle of world champions prior to the season finale in France form May 20-22.

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Originally published as Commonwealth Games: Madison Ashby’s new Rugby Sevens role and goal