39 for 27/29: Top Darling Downs prospects for Australian Rugby World Cups
With Australia set to host the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029 respectively, The Chronicle looks at 39 of our own Darling Downs prospects who could represent on the big stage.
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RUGBY UNION: Australia received a huge boost last week with the announcement of the hose venues for upcoming World Cups.
It is set to play host to the men’s edition in 2027, before the best women in the world compete on our own soil in 2029.
With an eye to the future and a breeding ground of rugby stars on the Darling Downs, we look at 39 players who could feature on the big stage.
MEN
MAC GREALY
Was a class above when playing locally, and now is plying his trade with the Reds. Grealy will be 27 by the time the World Cup rolls around, with the fullback poised to enter his prime during this period.
HARRY HOOPERT, MATT FAESSLER
Two props coming through the Grammar system that are now doing their thing for the Reds. Both are 23 and will be at their best when the World Cup is on.
HAMISH STEWART
A Reds fly-half with an Australian U20s cap to his name. Has been a regular in Super Rugby since his debut in 2017.
SEBASTIAN SIALAU
Was a part of the Melbourne Rebels Academy before last year earning the call up to the main squad. Five-eighth with pace to burn.
CHARLIE WIGAN
Part of the Queensland Reds Academy. Firmly on the state radar after being chosen in the Queensland U18s white team.
CHACE OATES, TOM BAILEY, LACHARD PRINGLE, JAKE STEPHENS, LOGAN CONNOLLY, EWALD KRUGER, COLE TWEEDY, BEN BURGESS, JIMMY WHITE, JOEY GRAY
The underage contingent that is the future of rugby on the Darling Downs. With an array of representative honours between them, the group is making an impression both locally and in metro centres, catching the eye and look destined for bigger things.
JOSEPH CURRIE
Made the switch from union to league to link with the North Queensland Cowboys, but is talented enough to come back in the future.
COOPER BRIDGEMAN
Another member of the Reds Academy and was invited to trial with the Australian U20s side. A forward on the rise.
WOMEN
BRIANA DASCOMBE
The newest Reds member from the region, Dascombe made her Super W debut earlier this season.
CHLOE COCKS
Has represented Queensland at the youth level and firmly in the sights of those higher up.
EMILYA BYRNE, GEORGIA SIMS
Talented rising players that were part of the extended squad for the Queensland Reds Super W side throughout the 2022 season.
KATELYN COLLIE, ERIN CHANDLER
Dual sport stars in both union and league, Collie is a hardworking forward with Chandler working her magic in the backline.
TALEAH ACKLAND, ISSY REED, JESSICA BARNES
The trio have risen through the ranks and were chosen in the Queensland U17s next gen squad last year after an intense training period at the QAS.
DEMI HAYES, DOM DU TOIT
Have been superstars on the Rugby 7s scene for a dominant Australian side. Would the allure of a home World Cup entice a switch to the 15-a-side game?
ANNA PARK
A young star of the Rugby Sevens scene, including an MVP performance at the Scots carnival in front of Emily Bass and Charlotte Caslick.
PYPAH FERGUSON
A multi-sport star currently with credentials in netball and league as well, but has shown a lot of talent in Rugby Sevens.
ABIGAIL HAMMOND
Quite adept at touch football as well as rugby. Performing well at club and rep level.
TAYLA HORROBIN
A member of the Downs U15s side and could be a young bolter peaking at the right time for 2029.
CLAUDIA WOODHEAD, POPPY GIBBONS, ANNIE SCRIVEN, BELLA CHALLENOR, SHYANNA-CEE KRITTLE, LETEENA MEDLAND
All six girls are part of a strong core group of U14s coming through the ranks at the moment. They look poised to make noise as they rise in age in the coming years and are certainly worth keeping on the radar.
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