Rugby Wallaroo Bella McKenzie, NSW Country win Chikarovski Cup at Bathurst

Wallaroo Arabella McKenzie returned to her country roots on the weekend as preparations for the 2021 women’s Rugby World Cup begin to amp up.

Arabella McKenzie breaking through the Sydney Gold defence in the last match of the Chikarovski Cup at Ann Ashwood Oval, Bathurst. Pic: Karen Watson.

When you hail from Lightning Ridge and you are the daughter of a miner any time you get to play top level sport in front of a country crowd is a good day.

For Wallaroo fly half Arabella McKenzie it got even better on Sunday when she and her NSW Country cohorts laid claim to the Chikarovski Cup at Ann Ashwood Oval at Bathurst.

“It’s the heart of country rugby up here and its awesome to play with other country girls,’’ said the former youth Sevens player who made the switch to 15s and debuted for Australia last year.

Grace Hamilton, who hails from Dubbo, in action for Country in the Chikarovski Cup. Pic: Karen Watson.

Country won the tournament which was played over two weekends and contested by both wallaroos squad members and rising stars of the game at Bathurst.

“It great for all of us to be playing again and great to show the country girls there is a pathway for them.

“This tournament has just lit another fire in the belly with the World Cup next year.’’

McKenzie, who attended boarding school in the Southern Highlands and now lives and plays for Randwick, is working towards making her World Cup debut with the Wallaroos next year.

Having earned four caps in 2019, all internationals were cancelled this year due to coronavirus although Rugby Australia is now forging ahead with a series of internationals for the women’s team in the lead-up to the New Zealand World Cup and also post the September tournament.

The Chikarovski Cup is named after Kerry Chikarovski.

NSW Country enjoying their success at the Chikarovski Cup.

McKenzie, who played rugby league as a youngster in Lightning Ridge and Walgett, was inspired to give Rugby Sevens a crack after watching the Rio Olympics where the Australian women's team won a historic gold.

“I wasn't really suited, not fast enough,’‘ said McKenzie, who works as a disability support worker.

“So I got into 15s and I love it.’’

NSW Country won the Chikarovski Cup 2020 in the final match of the tournament, overtaking Sydney Blues on the ladder with their 39-7 victory over Sydney Gold.

Action in the match between Sydney Gold and Sydney Blue at Bathurst on the weekend. Pic: Karen Watson.

With around 30 Wallaroos squad members spread around the teams, other results on the weekend were Sydney Blue’s 22-5 defeat of Sydney Gold and NSW Country’s 31-5 defeat of the Canberra Presidents XV.

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Originally published as Rugby Wallaroo Bella McKenzie, NSW Country win Chikarovski Cup at Bathurst