Hayes maintains unbeaten run as captain, Australia cruises to second Dubai Sevens gold

Darling Downs talent Demi Hayes has kept her unbeaten record as Australian captain intact as her team sailed to another gold medal at the Dubai Rugby Sevens.

Australia celebrates gold in Dubai. Photo: Christopher Pike/Getty Images

RUGBY SEVENS: The golden run of Demi Hayes as Australian captain continued in the desert of Dubai.

The Darling Downs star made it a perfect 10-0 in her role as national skipper as they made it back-to-back gold medals in the Dubai Sevens.

Australia enjoyed a flawless campaign outscoring Spain, Canada and Brazil to the tune of 127-7 on the opening day.

It was backed up with a 26-17 win over the much-improved Russia to book their spot in the final, setting up a rematch of last weekend’s decider against Fiji.

They were able to come out on top once again, prevailing 15-5 to once again stand atop the podium.

They were forced to work for it, with Fiji getting to within five points in the second half, before the class of the Australians prevailed late in the contest.

Downs players Hayes (one try), Dominique du Toit (three tries) and Charlotte Caslick (eight tries) all played their part throughout the weekend.

Hayes led by example in the final with a number of strong charges, while Caslick’s attacking prowess was on full display once again.

Australia went agonisingly close to completing the double, with the men going down 10-7 in a thrilling final against South Africa.

They’ll have a period of rest before the season continues in Spain, with back-to-back weekends in Malaga and Seville in January.

HAYES RELISHING EXTRA HONOUR

Demi Hayes was once most comfortable in the campdrafting saddle, now the 23-year-old is taking the reins in a different setting.

Hayes became one of Australian Rugby’s youngest ever captains when given the nod to lead the Rugby Sevens charge of Australia’s women.

“It was definitely a bit of a surprise to me,” she said.

“The first day of pre-season we came back to individual meetings and got debriefed on our performances at Tokyo.

“Our coach John Manenti asked if I would like to be captain. He said to go away and speak to my parents and partner because it is a big job.

“It’s a really big honour, a privilege and something I didn’t want to turn down.

“It’s exciting because I’m still only young and I’m really excited for what’s ahead in my career. Hopefully there’s a long way to go.”

Hailing from western Queensland, Hayes moved east to study at Scots PGC in Warwick, before completing her studies at Fairholme College, where she was able to further her ambitions in the sport.

Hayes made a winning debut to her tenure as captain, as Australia went undefeated to claim the Dubai Sevens.

Hayes said the support from back home has been amazing, as they look to go back-to-back in the UAE after a tough showing at the Olympics.

“My whole family and wider friend group has been extremely supportive,” she said.

“There’s been non-stop messages and tags. The love and support has been amazing heading into this weekend.

“The first day of training was a bit of a struggle to get our bodies and temperatures acclimatised to how hot it is.

“We did a lot of heat training leading into Tokyo so that really helped us.

“We went back and analysed how we played (in Tokyo) and we were disappointed as a group on how we performed.

“We’ve really dug into the pre-season to improve in those specific areas and really want to give this season a red-hot crack.

“We’ve got a really young team. There’s no expectations. We just want to show everyone what we’ve been working on, and we did that.”

The Dubai Sevens commences on Friday, with the finals set to be played on Saturday.

Australia will feature in a pool with Canada, Spain, Brazil and Russia as they look to continue their golden run in Dubai.

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION

While Demi Hayes may hold one of Australian rugby’s most coveted positions, she doesn’t forget where she started from.

A multi-sport star growing up, Hayes excelled in cross country running, basketball, netball and touch football during her schooling years.

She also had a keen interest in rugby, which has led her around the world on the Sevens circuit and to an Olympic Games.

As she progressed through the ranks, she took every opportunity presented to her, with skills learned in touch football translating across to the sevens field.

Hayes had a message of encouragement for those young girls in the Downs Rugby ranks looking to chase their dreams.

“I literally started in the position they’re currently in now,” she said.

“To see how much hype and great coaching is provided on the Downs, it’s exciting. It shows how much talent is coming from that area.

“I’d encourage them to really use those coaches and everyone around them. Make the absolute most of that because you never know where you can go from there.”