17 March 2021: The University of Canberra Women’s Rugby Sevens side will welcome various Uni7s teams to the capital this weekend for a pre-season tournament ahead of the 2021 Aon Uni7s Series kicking off on 27 March.
Teams from the University of Technology Sydney, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Newcastle will take to the field at the University of Canberra on Saturday 20 March.
With the luxury of having this pre-season round at home, UC7s Head Coach Liam McGrath has picked a big squad.
“Players are still battling for selection, so we wanted to make sure that we’re giving those players every opportunity to make their way into the top 12,” said Mr McGrath.
“There’s also a number of established players who will feature this weekend and they know that just because they’ve been on the circuit before, it doesn’t make their spot safe.”
The pre-season tournament will see nine players pulling on the UC7s jersey for the first time including Amy Daniel, Chloe Waddell, Ella Boundy, Fapiola Uoifalelahi, Gislea Vea, Grace Tokabobo, Pesi Palu, Sarah Deaner and Tess Staines.
Ahead of the tournament, emerging star and 2019 Rookie of the Year Ella Ryan has been named as captain of the UC7s side for the 2021 series.
“Ella has shown herself to be a true professional over the last 18 months, particularly under some very trying circumstances,” said Mr McGrath.
The UC7s has also announced multinational logistics, courier and package delivery company Aramex has come on board as the new major partner for 2021.
“This sponsorship money allows the program to continue to run its development arm, provides additional opportunities for our athletes to play 7s and allows us to provide an environment for dual career success. We’re really excited to be working with them,” said Mr McGrath.
UC7s Aramex 7s pre-season tournament squad
- Alahna Ryan
- Amy Daniel*
- Aroha Spillane
- Brooke Gilroy
- Chloe Waddell*
- Claudia Obst
- Ella Boundy*
- Ella Ryan
- Fapiola Uoifalelahi
- Gislea Vea
- Grace Tokabobo
- Janalee Conroy
- Lily Murdoch
- Pesi Palu
- Sarah Deaner
- Talei Wilson
- Tess Staines
*Pending injury clearance
Aramex 7s pre-season tournament draw:
Saturday:
10:00am - UC vs UTS
10:20am - University of Newcastle vs Melbourne Uni
12:00pm - UC Vs Melbourne Uni
12:20pm - University of Newcastle vs UTS
2:00pm - Melbourne Uni vs UTS
2:20pm - University of Newcastle vs UC
Sunday:
Semi-Final
9:00am - Day One 2nd Place vs Day one 3rd Place
Grand-Final
11:00am - Day One 1st Place vs Winner of Semi Final