Former USQ Saints player Briana Dascombe debuts for QLD Reds

Another Darling Downs rugby union talent has made her mark on the national stage making the transition from USQ Saints talent to Queensland Reds debutant in Super W rugby.

REDS ROOKIE: Briana Dascombe (left) debuted for the Queensland Reds against the Melbourne Rebels at Suncorp Stadium on April 2. Picture: Getty Images

RUGBY: The number 239 will hold a special place in Briana Dascombe’s heart.

Stepping onto the hallowed turf of Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium at the weekend, Dascombe made her debut for the Queensland Reds in Super W rugby.

“It was exciting when Craigy (Reds coach Simon Craig) told me I’d be named in the squad,” Dascombe said.

“Making my debut was amazing.”

Dascombe, who was bought on as a second-half substitute, admitted to some nerves while she waited for her opportunity.

“I was a bit nervous watching the game,” she said.

“But once I got my hands on the ball and had my first hit-up, they (the nerves) went away pretty quickly.”

The former USQ Saints didn’t see a lot of the ball in her side’s 50-5 demolition of the Melbourne Reds, but she did have a significant impact.

Bending the Rebels’ defensive line with a strong carry, Dascombe combined with Reds lock Aleena Greenhalgh who outpaced the defence to score a try.

Unfortunately Dascombe’s debut was soured by a head knock which will sideline her due to concussion protocols for at least a week.

“I’m feeling okay at the moment,” she said.

“It’s a little bit disappointing because I was hoping to travel with the team to Sydney for our last regular season game.

“Hopefully I get cleared and can be part of the squad for the finals.

“Either way it’s a matter of continuing to work as hard as I can for the team.”