List: Australian school girls sevens rugby top players identified for U16s, U18s merit squad

They have speed, physical presence, silky skills and that special X factor. Australia’s top schoolgirl sevens players have been identified and the talent is extraordinary. TOP GUNS list

U16 Australian Merit Team named after the Australian School girls 7s championships

They are the teenagers to take Australians rugby sevens into the future - and hopefully more Olympic success at upcoming Games including LA in 2028 and Brisbane 2032.

Young guns still learning their craft but with mad talent beyond their years.

Selectors have identified the top 24 players from the premier event for schoolgirl rugby - the Australian schools sevens championships on the Sunshine Coast.

And the future of Australian rugby sevens is looking bright if these payers are any indication.

Merit teams for the under 16s and under 18s championships - along with honourable mentions for players with other commitments in the game - were confirmed at the end of the three days girls event and two states unsurprisingly dominate.

NSW and Queensland have been the leading states from the start of both age groups and have been rewarded with the lions share of athletes in the Merit teams.

Players from these two groups now have the opportunity to be invited to Rugby Australia sevens camps prior to an Australian under 18s team and an Australian schoolgirls team being named in early November for the annual Global Youth championships in New Zealand.

SCHOOLS PHOTO SPECIAL

Players from NSW and Queensland have dominated the Merit Squads. Photos: Rachel Wright.

SCHOOLS 7S DAY 1 WRAP

SCHOOLS 7S DAY 2 WRAP

Sevens players named in th Australian schools merit teams at the end of last year’s championships went on to represent in the Australian under 18s team to prove the event is a major pathway to success.

On Sunday th selectors release the new list of players and it’s impressive.

Australia's top schools sevens players competed at the event on the Sunshine Coast. Photos: Rachel Wright.

The under 16s competition was especially strong at the championships in an encouraging sign for the future.

Below we take a look at the standouts of the girls competition at the 51st Australian schools championships who made the cut for the Merit Squads.

 

Australia's top schools sevens players in action at the event. Photos: Rachel Wright.

Australia's top schools sevens pplayers in action at the event. Photos: Rachel Wright.

AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLS RUGBY GIRLS SEVENS MERIT TEAMS

Under-18s

Jenna Aiono, VIC, Copperfield College

Fofoa Tulimafono, VIC, Greater Shepparton Secondary College

Kaelyn Passi, QLD Maroon, Kings College

Madison Pomerenke, QLD Maroon, Wynnum State High School

Coco Marsters, NSW 1, MacKellar Girls High

Georgina Hayes, NSW 1, Mater Dei Catholic College

Matilda Vial, QLD Maroon, Keebra Park State High School

Darcie Prosser-Shaw, NSW 1, Barker College

Maronay Smuts, NSW 1, Hunter Sports High School

Chloe Sivewright, NSW 1, Richmond River High School

Reese Orcher, Lloydies, Clayfield College

Mia Byrnes, QLD Maroon, The Glennie School

Anika McCarthy, NSW 1, Hunter Sports High School

Honorary Selections:

Keira Callaghan, NSW

Maia Madden-Khan, NSW

Wairaia Ellis, NSW

U18 Australian Merit Team. Picture: Rachel Wright.

Under 16’s

Billie Backus, QLD Maroon, King’s Christian College

Ellazae Elers, NSW 1 (U18), Hunter Sports High School

Zoe Quigley, ACT (U18), Daramalan College

Zhara Petia, WA (U18), Butler College

Cobi Ryan-Last, NSW 1, St Catherine Waverley

Shekinah Bainivalu, NSW 1, Westfields Sports High School

Sedeequa Clevin, Lloydies, Harristown State High School

Darci Turinui, NSW 1, St Clare’s College Waverley

Talia Berryman, NSW 1, NBSC Mackellar Girls Campus

Mia Shelley, WA, Peter Moyes Anglican Community School

Tarnaya Smith, NSW 1, Chifley College Shalvey Campus

Emma McRae, NSW 1, Newcastle High School

Aimee Henry, QLD Maroon, Canterbury College

U16 Australian Merit Team. Picture: Rachel Wright.

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Originally published as List: Australian school girls sevens rugby top players identified for U16s, U18s merit squad