The Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) congratulates the Australian Women’s Rugby Sevens team on winning the inaugural Olympic Rugby Sevens Gold medal. The 2015-2016 Women’s Sevens World Champions are now also well-deserved Olympic Champions!
In winning Australia’s fourth Gold medal of Games thus far, and seventh medal overall, these young women have proven themselves amongst the most elite of Australia’s competing sports men and women. They continue to be role models and heroes, to all Australians, and we are incredibly proud to have them as our members.
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Led by Co-Captains Shannon Parry and Sharni Williams, and under the guidance of Head Coach and former professional player Tim Walsh, the side navigated their way through Pool A undefeated with wins against Colombia and Fiji on day one, before a draw against a dogged USA and then defeating Spain in the Quarter Finals.
On the third and final day of the competition, the side was too strong for World Number Three Canada in the Semi Final, before defeating New Zealand 24-17 in the Gold Medal match with Emma Tonegato, Evania Pelite, Ellia Green and Charlotte Caslick scoring tries in the decider.
On behalf of all RUPA members, President Benn Robinson paid tribute to not only the 12 players selected to represent the country in Rio, but the entire Women’s Rugby Sevens squad, following the momentous achievement.
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“This morning we’re all incredibly proud of the Australian Women’s Rugby Sevens team, and more importantly, we are thrilled that the enormous amount of hard work and sacrifices made by every player in the squad that have contributed to this historic feat,” Robinson said.
“This group of inspiring Rugby players have captured the imagination and the hearts of the Australian sporting public in winning both the World Championship in May, and now also being crowned Olympic Champions.
“We’re looking forward to next watching our Men’s Rugby Sevens team as they begin their Olympic campaign tomorrow morning (AEST) and to our Gold medallists, we wish them all the best for the remainder of their time in Rio as they celebrate their achievements and take in all the majesty of the Olympic Games.”
2016 Australian Women’s Rugby Sevens Squad:
OLYMPIC GAMES TEAM
- Shannon Parry (Co-Captain)
- Sharni Williams (Co-Captain)
- Nicole Beck
- Charlotte Caslick
- Emilee Cherry
- Chloe Dalton
- Gemma Etheridge
- Ellia Green
- Evania Pelite
- Alicia Quirk
- Emma Tonegato
- Amy Turner
- Dominique du Toit (Travelling Reserve)
- Brooke Walker (Travelling Reserve)
NON-TRAVELLING SQUAD MEMBERS
- Brooke Anderson
- Shenae Ciesiolka
- Georgie Friedrichs
- Demi Hayes
- Mahalia Murphy
- Tiana Penitani
- Taleena Simon
- Laura Waldie
