The Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens Squad for round two of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Dubai has been named with Faith Nathan and Georgia Hannaway to earn their first caps for Australia.
Nathan and Hannaway starred for Australia in the Women’s team successful Oceania Sevens Championship win in Suva Fiji earlier this month and both players have risen through the ranks of the Aon University Sevens Series.
The two debutants join 176 caps of experience as Australia looks to continue its good form on the world circuit having finished the opening round of the Series in the USA in second place.
Australia will meet Fiji, Ireland and Spain in Pool B.
Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens Head Coach John Manenti said: “Georgia and Faith have worked incredibly hard during the pre-season and we saw what they are capable of on the World Stage at the Oceania Sevens.
“Fast, creative and agile, both players have really made a mark for themselves in this squad and we’re looking forward to seeing their development continue in the next round.
“The Dubai Sevens is a great tournament with its own challenges and we’re looking forward to our tough Pool B battle against Fiji, Ireland and Spain.”
The Aussie 7s currently sit in second position (18 points) trailing the USA (20 points) and leading New Zealand (16 points) and France (14 points) in third and fourth respectfully
Qantas Australian Women's Sevens:
1. Shannon Parry, University of Sydney, Queensland, 26 caps
2. Sharni Williams (c), University of Canberra, Canberra, 31 caps
3. Sariah Paki, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 6 caps
4. Cassandra Staples, University of Queensland, NSW, 8 caps
5. Emma Tonegato, University of Western Australia, NSW, 26 caps
6. Evania Pelite, University of Adelaide, Queensland, 25 caps
7. Georgia Hannaway*, University of Queensland, Queensland
8. Madison Ashby, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 1 cap
9. Faith Nathan*, University of Technology Sydney, NSW
10. Alicia Lucas, University of New England, NSW, 30 caps
11. Rhiannon Byers, University of New England, NSW, 2 caps
12. Ellia Green, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 26 caps
