7 September 2017: University of Canberra women’s rugby sevens coach David Grimmond has bolstered his squad for the second leg of the Uni 7s Series with the addition of USA Women’s Eagles representative Abby Gustaitis.
Gustaitis is one of three changes to the side that finished sixth at the inaugural tournament held in Launceston a fortnight ago.
The American import joins the University of Canberra for this weekend’s tournament at Macquarie University after helping the Eagles to a fourth place finish at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland last month.
Grimmond said Gustaitis had made a seamless transition into the squad.
“We’re very happy to welcome Abby into the group,” Grimmond said. “She’s hit the ground running and has made a positive contribution on and off the field.
“She boasts international experience in both forms of the game and her leadership qualities will be important on the field this weekend. The younger squad members can learn a lot from her and we’re excited to see what she brings to our game.”
Gustaitis first started playing rugby in 2010 while she was studying a degree in physiology and neurobiology at the University of Maryland.
She attended the AIG Women’s Collegiate All-American camp in 2013 after being identified as one of the best female college rugby players in the country.
In 2015, Gustaitis was named in the USA 7s player pool and began training with the Eagles. She made her international debut against France in 2016.
Born and raised in Maryland, the 26-year-old now lives in Washington DC and plays sevens for theScion Sirens. She helped the club win the Club 7s Championship last year.
“I’ve really enjoyed training with the squad since arriving in Canberra and I can’t wait to run out this weekend,” Gustaitis said.
“The squad looks in great shape and we’re all ready for a big weekend in Sydney.”
The University of Canberra will play pool games against Bond University, Macquarie University, and the University of Adelaide in the second leg of the Uni 7s Series at Macquarie University in Sydney this weekend.
The tournament will be streamed live on rugby.com.au.
University of Canberra squad:
- Sophie Broadhead
- Sarah Carter
- Abby Gustaitis
- Ash Kara (C)
- Michaela Leonard
- Ema Masi
- Samantha Maxwell
- Yasmin Meakes
- Darcy Read
- Cassandra Staples
- Talei Wilson
- Samantha Wood
Match day 1 – Saturday 9 September 2017
10.40am – University of Canberra v Bond University
12.40pm – University of Canberra v Macquarie University
3.00pm – University of Canberra v University of Adelaide
Match day 2 – Sunday 10 September 2017
Fixtures to be announced following match day 1 results
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Antony Perry: 0434 795 919
Amanda Jones: 0409 140 415