Two Sunshine Coast sports stars set to represent Australia at the FISU World University Championships

Two Sunshine Coast sporting stars will now take their talents to the rugby 7s arena when they represent Australia at the FISU World University Championships in France.

Kianna Maclean and Jordan Jackson will represent Australia at the 2024 World University Rugby Sevens Championships in France. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Two Sunshine Coast female sports talents have reached the glowing heights of national representation after their standout performances for their local club, academy and university teams.

Jordan Jackson and Kianna Maclean are -UniSC students that have been named in the 12-person Australian rugby sevens team that will compete at the 2024 FISU World University Championship in France from 10-12.

The team is made up of players from across Australia studying a variety of degrees at their respective universities.

Before the girls fly out on June 6, the Daily caught up with them to discuss how they were feeling.

Jordan Jackson

Jackson, 20, is certainly having a year to remember.

The Beerwah local made seven appearances for the inaugural Sunshine Coast Falcons BMD team this season and was also picked to represent the Queensland Sapphires.

Sunshine Coast Falcons BMD player Jordan Jackson in action. Picture: Phil Bradeley.

She is currently studying secondary teaching at UniSC and has been playing rugby sevens for two years for GPS in Brisbane and the Nambour Toads on the Sunshine Coast.

“I’m pretty proud of myself, I didn’t expect any of this to happen really,” she said.

“Playing Falcons was unreal with a great bunch of girls and coaching staff and to then get the call up for Queensland Sapphires was the best experience of my life.”

The former Blackwater State High School student said she was excited for the opportunity.

“I’ve never travelled overseas for sport before so I’m really excited and really interested to play against the other countries,” she said.

“To see what it’s like to play at an international level will be pretty cool because even if it is through university it’s not every day you get to play for Australia.

“I just want to immerse myself in the experience by being present, in the moment and playing some good footy.”

Kianna Maclean

Maclean, a former Redcliffe State High School student, is in her first year of university studying a bachelor of nutrition at UniSC.

The 18-year-old has been a star on the rise for a number of years with one of her greatest achievements representing Australia at the 2023 Tag World Cup in Ireland.

Kianna Maclean will represent Australia at the 2024 World University Rugby Sevens Championships in France. Picture: Patrick Woods.

She currently trains with the QAS academy through the Queensland Reds rugby sevens program.

“I only started playing rugby sevens at school last year and then at the end of 2023 I played for GPS in the Brisbane competition with Jordy,” she said.

Maclean and Jackson will play France, Ireland, Canada and India in their pool before hopefully progressing to the finals.

“It’s very exciting and I’m really keen to get over there,” she said.

“It will be cool to see what the culture is like in France but I also just want to play well.

“Hopefully the team gels together well but if I can play my game and stick to my strengths I’ll be happy.”