Aussie Women’s Sevens named for final round of the HSBC Sevens World Series

Wed, Jun 5, 2019, 12:50 AM
Rugby Australia
by Rugby Australia
Dominique Du Toit faces off against England's defence. Photo: World Rugby
Dominique Du Toit faces off against England's defence. Photo: World Rugby

The Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens squad for the final round of the HSBC Women’s Sevens World Series in Biarritz, France has been named with Dom Du Toit returning from injury and Rhiannon Byers to earn her first cap for Australia. 

Byers, a product of the Aon University Sevens Series where she impressed selectors with her performances for the University of New England, was selected in a development Australian side that won the Oceania Sevens Championship in a tough final against New Zealand last year. 

Byers was called into training with the Aussie 7s and was recently rewarded with a full-time contract in the program, completing her progression to the national fold. 

Australia will meet Ireland, Spain and Canada in Pool B. 

Australia currently sits in fourth position on the World Series Standings on 74 points, training Canada (78), the USA (80) and New Zealand (92). 

In fifth place sits tournament hosts France (60) with the top four sides at the end of the round earning automatic qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. 

Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens Head Coach John Manenti said: “The squad has prepared really well for the final round of the series and we’re very focused on getting the job done to earn qualification. 

“It’s great to be welcoming back Dom (Du Toit) into the squad and for Rhiannon (Byers) to be potentially earning her first cap for Australia. 

“Since joining the program, Rhiannon has thrown herself into everything we’ve asked of her and is continuing to grow as a player. 

“There are no easy games in Sevens; Ireland, Spain and Canada will be a very tough Pool, but the squad is looking forward to getting back to France and finishing the job on what has been a tough Series.”  

Day one matches will be broadcast LIVE on World Rugby’s Digital Channels. 

Qantas Australian Women's Sevens for Paris:

Lauren Brown, Bond University, Queensland, 3 caps
Rhiannon Byers, University of New England, NSW 
Charlotte Caslick, Bond University, Queensland, 30 caps 
Lily Dick, Griffith University, Queensland, 4 caps    
Dominque Du Toit, Queensland, 13 caps 
Ellia Green, Victoria, 24 caps    Sariah Paki, NSW, 4 caps   
Shannon Parry, Griffith University, Queensland, 24 caps  
Evania Pelite, University of Adelaide, Queensland, 23 caps 
Emma Tonegato, University of Adelaide, NSW, 25 caps   
Samantha Treherne, Griffith University, Queensland, 5 caps   
Sharni Williams (c), University of Canberra, ACT, 29 caps 
Alicia Quirk, University of New England, NSW, 28 caps   

2019 Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens Fixtures: 
Saturday 15 June

Australia v Ireland, 8.52pm AEST 
Australia v Spain, 11.36pm AEST
Sunday 16 June
Australia v Canada, 2.20am AEST 

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