Toowoomba Rangers Bullettes set their sights on English rugby

Two Toowoomba Bullettes have taken destiny into their own hands, deciding to pursue their love of rugby union on the other side of the globe. Read why these women made such a tough decision here.

Queensland Country Orchids teammates and Rangers Bullettes Tess Littleton (left) and Jade Hubbard (right) will take their skills to London.

London is calling and two Toowoomba stars have answered.

Chasing their rugby union dreams Tess Littleton, 23, and Jade Hubbard, 32 have signed contracts with English clubs.

The taletned duo will travel more than 15,000km across the globe to play semi-professional rugby for clubs just half an hour apart.

Littleton will play halfback for Wimbledon RFC and Hubbard will line up at fullback for Beckenham RFC.

“We are both pretty ambitious people, and it’s always something that we’ve wanted to achieve (playing at a semi-pro level),” Littleton said.

“It’s always very competitive throughout the different leagues as they have promotion and relegation, unlike in the Super W.

“It’s definitely exciting to know that when we get over there, we’ll be playing some tough and competitive rugby.

“I’m fully focused on going over there and living in the moment and seeing where it takes me, it’s always a goal that I’ve wanted to achieve and if I like it, maybe I’ll stay.”

Hubbard is also looking forward to the big move.

The current Toowooma Rangers coach however will have to deal with signficant challenges on and off the field.

Hubbard’s husband and son will not be making the move to England for the duration of her nine month deal.

“It is intimidating me a bit, thinking about all the great players that I’ll be up against, but I’m definitely up for the challenge,” Hubbard said.

Tess Littleton.

Jade Hubbard. Picture: Kevin Farmer.

“It’s also not just going to Brisbane for a week to rugby camps like I’ve done in the past, it’s going to take a lot of learning for me to be away from family.”

The Queensland Country Orchids rep stars hope their story will inspire other players.

“When we were both coming through as kids, there was nothing there for us, so it’s fantastic to see that now, girls are starting to get more opportunities,” Littleton said.

“It’s been so impressive over the past few years seeing how quickly sporting pathways have been growing for young girls.”

Hubbard echoed her teammates thoughts.

“Tess and I have gone through the country pathway, both playing for the Queensland Country Orchids,” Hubbard said.

“I want to show everyone, women and young girls coming through the country rugby system that there are other pathways to experience a higher standard of rugby.

“I’d also tell young girls that they can play whatever sport they want to play and if things don’t turn out how you think, there are always opportunities around the world.”