Australian club championships rugby: Sydney club, players poised for historic appearance

They boast an Australian legend, Waratahs and Brumbies guns and rising stars. Now this team is about to create rugby history at the Australia club championships.

The Gordon women's team are playing in the club championships. Pic: Supplied

There’s a legend of the Wallaroos still making a mark, a passionate coach who still jumps into the action and a couple of rugby league players.

There’s also some of the guns of the Super W, rising stars and up-and-comers from the sevens game.

Now this colourful Gordon team is preparing for a special moment in the game by taking on Bond University in the first Australian club championship match for women in Brisbane on March 4.

And according to their coach they are more than up for the historic task.

“I think we can win this,” said Gordon Gazelles coach Evelyn “Evie” Horomia ahead of the match between Sydney’s Jack Scott Cup winners and Queensland premiers Bond University Sharks.

“We play smart, we’ve got a mix of experience players and we are physical.

The Gordon women's team are playing in the club championships. Pic: Supplied

“We are very passionate in terms of creating something at Gordon and growing the game.

“And I’m pretty happy with the mix. We have, old girls, new girls, Super W girls. It’s a good mix.”

The Gordon Gazelles have six girls currently playing for either the Waratahs or the Brumbies in Super W along with North Sydney Bears rugby league players Seli Mailangi and Canterbury Bulldogs player, Shannon Muru.

The Waratahs players are Rosie Ebbage, Loretta Mailangi and Katalina Amosa, whose brother Brendan was a Wallaby.

The three Brumbies players are Brittany Leauanae, Sarah Riordan, a former Wallaroo, and Akira, Kelly.

The Gordon women's team will write their name in history this weekend. Pic: Supplied

“Bond University have very good backs, and they’re young side, with nothing to lose,’’ said Horomia., head coach of the women’s program at Gordon and the 15s team.

“They have a lot of Sevens girls and they are fit and fast.

“We are more direct with our running. We play to our set piece, and a more tactical game.

“Molly Phipps is one of the rising stars of the team, plays in the back row and will be vice-captain for the match.

The Gordon women's team is captained by former Wallaroos captain Ash Hwson. Pic: Supplied

“We also have Mina Rose and Annie Craig, those two girls we have picked up from Gordon Sevens.’’

“This is quite significant, the first time ever for women and I am very fortunate because I have all my Super W players back for it,’’ Horomia said.

Wests and Sydney University will battle in the men's game at the Australian club championship.

The 24 players in line to create history in Brisbane are: Akira Kelly, Ange Flannery, Ash Hewson, Annie Craig, Brittany Leauanae, Courtney Heaven, Evie Horomia, Fiona Gao, June Au, Kylie Sakiyama, Katalina Amosa, Loretta Mailangi, Laura Luangkhot, Molly Phipps, Minna Rose, Mia Rigney, Madda Wilson, Mons Mo’ale, Shannon (Faffs) Muru, Spud Buchanan, Sarah Riordan, Seli Mailangi, Shauna (Sheep) Connolly, Rosie Ebbage

Hewson will captain the side with Molly Phipps will vice-captain.

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Originally published as Australian club championships rugby: Sydney club, players poised for historic appearance