Toowoomba’s Rugby Sevens duo inspiring next generation of stars on the Downs

With gold firmly in their sights, Toowoomba’s Rugby Sevens duo are providing inspiration for the next generation of stars on the Downs.

RUGBY SEVENS: With eyes set to be glued to televisions over the next fortnight, a Toowoomba duo are set to inspire the next generation of girls talent.

Demi Hayes and Dominique Du Toit are part of the Australian Rugby Sevens team looking to secure back-to-back gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics.

With both stars progressing from the local pathways in the region, Downs Rugby general manager Matt Hammond said it would serve as an inspiration for young girls.

“The Downs Rugby community is incredibly excited that two of our pathway players are proceeding to the Tokyo Olympics and looking to emulate the 2016 success at Rio,” Hammond said.

“Our pathways are incredibly strong with fantastic numbers in the youth girls, teenage age groups and open women's sevens. It’s a full credit to the likes of Emilee Cherry and Gemma Etheridge.

“It’s absolutely inspirational to have Demi and Dom at the Olympics. This will get increased participation, and we will see more of our Downs girls at Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games.

“Everyone will be tuning in.”

Toowoomba has enjoyed a rich success in the short history of Rugby Sevens at the Olympics.

Cherry and Etheridge were part of the successful 2016 team that claimed the inaugural gold medal in Rio.

Du Toit was a travelling reserve that year, and now gets her chance to shine as part of the main roster.

Both Du Toit and Hayes were part of the Commonwealth Games side that came away with silver on the Gold Coast in 2018.

Demi Hayes of Australia (Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Also a part of the team is Charlotte Caslick, who owns property in Stanthorpe.

She was also part of the gold medal winning Australian team in 2016.

Rugby Sevens action runs from July 29-31, with Australia looking to advance from its pool featuring host nation Japan, USA and China.