Megan Prinsloo selected in Queensland Reds Super W training squad

After a standout year on the Sunshine Coast, Nambour Toads women’s captain Megan Prinsloo has been elevated to the elite level with the Queensland Reds.

Nambour womens rugby union captain, Megan Prinsloo, who has been invited to train with the 2023 Queensland Reds Super Womens Squad in Brisbane. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Standout Sunshine Coast women’s rugby union star Megan Prinsloo has taken a major step towards her professional dream after being invited to train with the 2023 Queensland Reds Super W Squad in Brisbane.

Prinsloo, 21, was captain of the Nambour Toads premiership winning open women's team and also represented the Sunshine Coast Stingrays, South Queensland and Queensland Country Orchids in 2022.

The damaging backrower, who is the only player from the Sunshine Coast to be selected, said she was extremely proud to be included in the 41-women squad.

“This opportunity snuck up on me,” she said.

“I never thought I would get that call from Simon Craig to be a part of the Academy, so I am beyond pleased.

“It has been an honour to be recognised and a blessing for the hard work I have put in over the years.

“Training has kicked off and I’m not joking when I say it is next level, but I take away a lot from it and am enjoying every moment.”

Nambour Toads player Megan Prinsloo celebrates winning the 2022 Sunshine Coast women's rugby union grand final. Picture: Rachel Wright Images

The selection comes after Noosa Dolphins player Imogen McLeod was selected in 2021.

Prinsloo, who graduated from Coolum State High School and now works as a teacher aide at Victory College, said she hoped to expand her skills with guidance from the elite level players and coaches.

“I am mostly looking forward to bonding with the girls who have played for the Reds for quite some time now as well as getting to know the newer girls,” she said.

“I have learnt so much in the past month about rugby and this is inspiring me to take that step further and work as hard as I can to be selected for this team.”

Prinsloo began playing rugby union in 2019 and said she was thankful for the support.

“I began playing because of my Dad, AC, who played professionally and my brother Tiaan’s big love for the sport,” she said.

“I grew up being my brother’s tackle bag and we spend hours doing extras so he is the main reason I play like I do today.

“All my uncles were very good with their rugby too, so I have a huge Prinsloo support line behind me guiding my every move.”

Originally published as Megan Prinsloo selected in Queensland Reds Super W training squad