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Sevens heaven for rising stars of women’s rugby

WORLD player of the year nominee Charlotte Caslick has applauded the decision to blood new Australian sevens talent at the upcoming Oceania Sevens event in Fiji.

Charlotte Caslick in the finals of the RECENT Central Coast Sevens tournament.
Charlotte Caslick in the finals of the RECENT Central Coast Sevens tournament.

WORLD player of the year nominee Charlotte Caslick has applauded the decision to blood new Australian sevens talent at the upcoming Oceania Sevens event in Fiji.

The Rio Olympic gold medallists said for the sport to grow stronger new talent must be exposed to top level competition.

Charlotte Caslick in action ate the recent Central Coast Sevens rugby tournament.
Charlotte Caslick in action ate the recent Central Coast Sevens rugby tournament.

While Caslick and a number of fellow gold medallists are rested, youngster Georgie Friedrichs, Emma Sykes, Hannah Southwell and the recently signed Shanice Parker will all get their chance to shine.

“It’s great to see the next generation of players get a chance,’’ said Caslick, the only Australian-based nomination for this year’s World Rugby Awards.

ELLIA GREEN TURNING HEADS OFF THE PITCH

“The more exposure the better for all of us in the long run.’’

The Oceania event will see seven Olympians rested as four of their Rio teammates — Shannon Parry, Sharni Williams, Emma Tonegato and Alicia Quirk — head to the World Series warm-up event in Suva.

An elated Ellia Green at the Rio Olympics.
An elated Ellia Green at the Rio Olympics.

Also staying at home is Chloe Dalton and speedster Ellia Green who is still recuperating from shoulder surgery in the wake of the Rio Olympics.

The tournament is being used to help Australia gain momentum for the start of the World Rugby Sevens series in Dubai on December 1.

“We know that this tournament is going to be incredibly tough and we will need to adapt to the challenges that come our way,’’ said coach Tim Walsh.

“For our young players such as Georgie, Emma, Hannah and Shanice, this tournament is only going to add to their growing experience at International level and hold them in good stead moving forward.’’

A highlight of the upcoming world sevens series will be the Sydney event in the New Year.

Fullback Shannon Parry makes a break at the Central Coast Sevens event.
Fullback Shannon Parry makes a break at the Central Coast Sevens event.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/swoop/sevens-heaven-for-rising-stars-of-womens-rugby/news-story/27796f89c4278bde1e6297b40a96b5d5