Australia on the cusp of first World Series title in years

The Australian women’s rugby sevens team are on the cusp of their first World Series crown in years.

The Australian women’s rugby sevens team are on the cusp of their first World Series crown in years.

This team has become a trailblazer for the growth of women’s sport in Australia since winning Olympic gold in 2016.

But they haven’t won a world title on the World Series, the sports professional circuit around the world, since 2017/18.

While Covid has plagued international borders and competitions among sporting nations, the World Series returned in November last year without reigning champions New Zealand.

Having won three of the four events so far this season, Australia is now on the cusp of a third women’s World Series title. History is within reach, and they’ll have the chance to become world champions in Langford, Canada, in about two weeks’ time.

Sharni Williams has had a decorated career which has included World Series titles, Olympic success and Test appearances for the Wallaroos.

Sharni Williams from the Australian women's rugby 7s team at Norman Park on Thursday. Picture: Liam Kidston

But Ms Williams appeared as hungry as ever as she discussed the prospect of another world title ahead of the trip to Canada.

“For someone that’s been in the program a long time, it’s huge,” Ms Williams said.

“We take out this tournament, we become World Series champions. 2015/16 we were champions, 2017/18 we remember that amazing feat we had where we had no points scored against us in Sydney.

“Those little milestones last forever, we always remember the memories.

“We want to go out and seal the deal there.

“We’re just really looking forward to being able to put our best foot forward out there, and our training sessions have been unbelievable. We just need to go out there and execute.”

But as they fight to re-establish themselves as being the best women’s sevens team in the world, they’ll have to overcome an old foe.

Trans-Tasman rivals Australia and New Zealand could potentially create headlines once again as the Black Ferns Sevens team make their return to the World Series.

“To get the kiwis back is fantastic, that’s the benchmark team so we really want to be ready and prepared to play them, and also wrap up the World Series,” Coach Tim Walsh said on Thursday.

“The girls have been working very hard and we respect all opposition but we know that they’re the team to beat and we honestly can’t wait to play them.”

Charlotte Caslick. Picture: Liam Kidston

Charlotte Caslick is one of the most well-known players in international rugby union, and she’s expected to play a pivotal part in Australia’s success at another event later this month.

Ms Caslick starred in a successful tournament in Sydney 2018, where Australia won the Cup final over New Zealand.

She was equal third for tries scored, and was included in World Rugby’s “Dream Team” following the event.

The star back has played New Zealand many times before, but with the Commonwealth Games later this year, the 27-year-old is looking forward to a potential matchup against the “benchmark” in women’s sevens.

“Yeah they’ve definitely been the benchmark for a while so we’ve been trying to chase them down constantly, and I think we’re in a really good place now,” Ms Caslick said.

“We feel like we’re playing well so to be able to challenge ourselves against them and hopefully match-up at some stage in Langford would be great, just to see where we’re at.

“I guess for preparation for the Commonwealth Games, we have such strong nations that represent the Commonwealth.

“We’ve got Fiji, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, England, they’re all strong rugby nations but also all in that competition. So I think for that preparation this tournament will be really crucial.”

The Langford Sevens is set to kick-off on the 30th of May local time.