Sevens teens to watch at Australian Schools Rugby 7s Championships
Australian Schools Rugby 7s Championships players to watch revealed as the code’s most exciting female young guns prepare for competition from Friday. See the full list of stars.
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Some of Australia’s quickest, fanciest and biggest hitters in the rugby 7s arena will get their chance to showcase their skills at the Australian Schools Rugby Championships on the Sunshine Coast from Friday.
With the under-18 Schoolboys and the Australian Junior Rugby Championships coming to a close on Thursday, the most talented under-18 and under-16 girls will take centre stage for three days of quality match-ups.
With multiple teams from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Northern Territory, ACT, Western Australia, a combined states team and the Lloyd McDermott sides, we cast a light across some of the elite talent that will be on show.
U18s QLD MAROON
MADISON POMERENKE
Has been a standout figure on the representative 7s scene for several years, consistently proving herself as one of the most formidable players in the game. Her ability to perform at the highest level is a reflection of her unrelenting work ethic and exceptional rugby IQ. Whether it’s securing crucial turnover ball, absorbing contact, or delivering dominant tackles, Madi plays with a relentless edge and a genuine hunger to compete. Her presence around the ruck disrupts opposition momentum and sets the tone for her team’s defensive standards.
MIA BYRNES
Has had an exceptional year, showing incredible growth in both confidence and performance across a range of competitions, including Caslick Cup in late 2024, before touring with the ASRU side in December last year. She plays with great eyes-up awareness, constantly scanning and making smart decisions under pressure. Her ability to play big minutes speaks to her fitness, toughness, and mental resilience. She never stops working, doing all the little things that lift the team around her. Selfless, consistent, and driven, Mia will be a key piece of this squad’s success.
AAMIRA RENOUF
Is an excitement machine with the ball in hand, possessing blistering speed and a natural instinct for the try line while consistently finishing scoring opportunities with class. Her performance at the QLD State Champs was outstanding, and a real growth in confidence for this young player. She knows when to inject herself into the game and always looks dangerous in space. A genuine game-breaker with the ability to turn momentum in an instant.
MATILDA RICHARDS
Made a real statement at this year’s QLD State Championships representing Northern. She’s tireless and tenacious in defence, never backing down from a contest and always willing to put her body on the line. In attack, she stays calm under pressure, making smart decisions and guiding her team with composure. Her work rate is second to none, consistently turning up in the big moments. Matilda is a tough, composed competitor who plays with pride and purpose every time she steps on the field.
KAELYN PASSI
A skilful ballplayer, she is a current member of the QAS 7s Academy and will play in the Next Gen 7s for the Reds in 2025. She played for the AUS U18 in 2025 and is in the squad for 2025. Another hybrid player, she currently plays 15-a-side for Bond and is expected to excel in both formats into the future.
NSW 1
COCO MARSTERS
An elite talent and ballplayer with athletic qualities, she has just made her Australia A 7s debut in Japan. She will play in the Next Gen 7s for the Waratahs, played for the AUS U18 last year, and is in the squad for 2025. She was also in the Tahs Super W squad in 2025. A genuine hybrid player, she can excel at both 15s and 7s.
ELLAZAE ELERS
A strong ball runner with good skills, she is one of the many Indigenous girls coming through. She is in the AUS U18 squad for 2025 and played for the AUS Schoolgirls in 2024.
VICTORIA
ALICIA TAVITA
Not only a good player with solid skills, she is also a good role model off the field.
MYA CRAIG
Known as Miss Reliable, she has good vision and is a solid defender.
QLD WHITE
SIENA TABACCHI
Full of lightning speed from Northern Queensland, coaches are looking forward to having not just her speed but also her physicality in defence.
KAIA SKEEN
A recent addition to the Darling Downs team, coming from Met North previously, Skeen’s ability to create holes will bring exciting opportunities for her side.
ROSA-MILAN LEFONO
Miss Consistent in both attack and defence, her work rate was extremely impressive at state champs.
Will prove very valuable for her teammates.
ELLA BYRNES
A player that will get the job done for anyone.
Her speed on the edge and her high rugby IQ will be crucial for Queensland.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
NATALIA GRANT
Is a dynamic playmaker whose silky skills and sharp game awareness make her a standout talent. Grant is a natural leader fresh off an impressive debut season in the women’s senior competition; she’s definitely one to keep an eye on. With a long pass, quick footwork, and solid defensive presence, she’s ready to make her mark.
MARIAMA LITTLE
At first glance, you’d never guess Little is one of the youngest in the Northern Territory squad, and she certainly doesn’t play like it. A flanker turned centre, Little has a knack for reading the game and will be popping up all over the field. This versatile utility is poised for a breakout tournament.
MEIGHAN BARKER
Brings strength and experience to the forward pack. Renowned for her tough defence and powerful carries, she thrives on doing the hard yards to set the platform for her team’s success. Expect her to be right in the thick of the action.
ACT
PAUA-LEE GOING
A strong ball runner with good athletic qualities, she will be involved with the Brumbies for the Next Gen 7s Series and is in the AUS U18 Squad.
ZOE QUIGLEY
With a touch background and good ball-playing qualities, she will be involved with the Brumbies for the Next Gen 7s Series.
NSW 2
To be added.
LLOYDIES
REESE ORCHER
A talented ballplayer who can play multiple positions, she is a current member of the QAS 7s program and will play in the Next Gen 7s for the Reds. Orcher was selected in the Queensland side but opted to play for the Lloydies, she is part of the AUS U18 squad in 2025.
TAHLIAH ANDERSON
A natural talent with strength, speed,
and evasion, she is a Keebra Park student and part of the AUS U18 squad in 2025.
SOPHIA WRIGHT
Hailing from the Glennie School in Toowoomba, she was a shadow for Queensland but offered to play for Lloydies. A big body and a strong ball carrier, her experience in the game will greatly benefit all of our girls.
COMBINED STATES
EMMA SMALL (QLD)
A dynamic and versatile athlete to watch at the Australian Schoolgirls National 7s competition. A standout from the Sunshine Coast, Glasshouse, she played a key role in her team’s gold medal performance at the Queensland Schoolgirls Rugby 7s Championships, showcasing her adaptability by covering both backline and forward roles. Emma brings elite-level experience across multiple sports, having competed at state level in touch football, rugby league, Oztag, athletics, tennis, cross country, and triathlon. Her speed, agility, and game sense make her a serious threat on the field and a player with immense potential.
SOPHIA BRIGHTWELL (NSW)
Sophia Brightwell is a powerful and experienced player to watch at the Australian Schoolgirls National 7s competition. With a strong rugby union foundation, she has represented Sydney Uni in both XVs and 7s for the past three years, playing a key role in their victories at the Sydney Cup and NSW State Cup. Her versatility is evident, having played multiple positions including wing, half, 5/8, lock, and centre across both union and league formats. Sophia also brings elite-level experience from the NRL, having represented the Cronulla Sharks in the Lisa Fiaola Cup and currently training as a development player with their Harvey Norman Women’s squad. A long-time representative in touch football, Oztag, and tag league, her game smarts, speed, and physicality make her a dangerous threat in the 7s format.
EVIE SCOTT (NSW)
Evie Scott is an emerging talent to watch at the Australian Schoolgirls National 7s competition. A natural leader, she captained the Barker College 1st VII in 2024 and was named captain of the 2025 City vs Country representative side — highlighting both her skill and leadership qualities. Selected for the NSW Schools 7s team this year, Evie’s game is built on strong fundamentals, smart decision-making, and relentless work rate. A multi-sport athlete, she also represents the North West Expo Goldminers in basketball, bringing agility, spatial awareness, and competitive grit to every match she plays.
EMILY JACKWITZ (QLD)
Emily Jackwitz is a powerful and explosive athlete set to make an impact at the Australian Schoolgirls National 7s competition. Representing Met West in both Rugby 7s and Rugby League, as well as Southwest in Touch Football, she brings a wealth of experience across high-level school sport. Known for her speed and strength, Emily excels in the fast forward and centre positions, where she combines agility, physicality, and smart running lines. Her ability to break tackles and create space makes her a constant threat on both sides of the ball.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Did not respond before the time of publishing.
U16S
NSW 1
COBI-RYAN-LAST
An Indigenous athlete, she is a talented athlete playing multiple sports, including league and swimming. Exceptionally skilled and a strong ballplayer, she is part of the AUS U18 Squad.
CHARLI HARDGRAVE
A power athlete and genuine hybrid player, she can excel in both 15s and 7s. She is part of the AUS U18 squad in 2025.
DARCI TURINUI
The daughter of Wallaby Morgan Turinui, she is a fast, agile, and tough winger, and part of the AUS U18 squad in 2025.
POPPI FLANDERS
An Indigenous athlete and an athletic kid from Coffs Harbour, she is a great kicker and part of the AUS U18 squad in 2025.
VICTORIA
DESIREE KOLILOA
One to watch, she is a ball-playing prop forward with a mean step!
NAOMI MACK
A pint-sized versatile player, her strength lies in her defence.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
ISABELLA DRIFFIELD
Is a crafty halfback whose explosive acceleration can leave defenders grasping at air. But it’s her relentless work rate and tenacious defensive pressure that really set her apart. Leading with intensity and energy, she’s a player opponents won’t soon forget.
EMMA HEALEY
Is a lightning-quick centre with the vision and skill of a natural playmaker and the versatility to step into the lineout when needed. Always scanning for gaps, she relishes taking on the line and has a knack for finishing chances in style.
RUBY MORRIS
Though she’s new to the 7s format, Morris has wasted no time making an impact out wide. Give her the smallest opening and she’ll make you pay, with electrifying speed and the instincts to find the try line from anywhere.
ANNABETH SPILLETT
A composed and skilful playmaker, Spillett will be the steady hand guiding her side around the park. With a sharp eye for defensive lapses, she knows exactly when to pull the trigger and when she does, her teammates follow. Quiet at first, she’s sure to find her voice and rise to the occasion as the tournament unfolds.
QLD MAROON
BILLIE BACKUS
The rising star was selected in the Australian merit side in 2024 as a bottom-age player and now returns to the arena with added experience and confidence. Backus is a kicking weapon at restarts, in play, and at goal, and can find the line from anywhere on the field.
LAYNE PRINCE
Layne is the niece of former NRL star Scott Prince and is new to rugby 7s but brings with her an impressive touch football background. The Northern talent is a livewire through the middle with a world-class catch-pass ability on both sides. She’s very hard to stop when she gets going and will be a serious lateral threat.
GRACE BUCHANAN
The South Coast power forward is full of raw talent and has great hands for a bigger body. Buchanan told coaches she was surprised by her Queensland selection, but they had zero queries after her standout efforts at the state championships. She will cause plenty of headaches for the opposition and take her game to a new level.
ANGELA NANE-COE
An absolute powerhouse winger who only recently finished playing for Western Australia at the rugby league national championships as a ring-in star. Nane-Coe’s journey to the Queensland team hasn’t been straightforward either, after the FNQ talent drove from Cairns to Townsville to trial for the Northern side due to Peninsula not having a side at the State Championships. The attacking threat, who runs tall and confident like an Olympic sprinter, will score a handful of tries for her side.
LLOYDIES
ISABELLA AND EMMILEA PRIOR
Both from Perth, these girls are something very special to look out for. The girls have a passion for rugby, they possess impressive aggression and speed, but it’s their knowledge of the game that truly supports the Lloydies girls. Their speed, power, and understanding of the game make them two players to watch.
QLD WHITE
TALEISA SAVELIO
A Northern Queensland product that will look to add some great variety into the Queensland attack.
Will thrive out wide but could just as easily play in tight as well with her power, strength and work ethic.
SHAKAYE MATHESON-JOHNSON
Will bring a great kicking game into the Queensland side from general play, goalkicking and from the restart.
With the ball in hand she plays a great brand of eyes up footy so will be looking to take the line on and ask questions of the defence.
SCARLETT SIPPEL
A player that is fairly new to rugby 7s Sippel brings an Australian touch football background to the tournament.
Will slot in at first receiver where she can showcase her acceleration, passing skills and link-up play.
BRIELLA GRAY
Another player that will get plenty of the ball, Gray brings a rugby league background to the Queensland side where her selflessness and workrate will shine through.
Is always looking to set her teammates up and get the ball moving forward.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Did not respond before the time of publishing.
Originally published as Sevens teens to watch at Australian Schools Rugby 7s Championships
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