Next Gen Sevens squads confirmed ahead of opening round

Wed, Oct 2, 2024, 1:57 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

The NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds have confirmed their squads ahead of the opening round on Saturday in Sydney.

The Waratahs and Reds will clash in Sydney, Toowoomba and Byron Bay from October 5, with the first round slated for Forshaw Park.

Watch every round of the Next Gen Sevens live on Rugby Xplorer

NSW have included Australian Sevens rookie Ruby Nicholas, who made her debut with the national side last season.

Nicholas is joined by Waratahs Waiara Ellis, Tatum Bird and Jacinta Windsor, with Eliis coming off a strong showing for Australia A in Samoa.

The Waratahs have also included a host of players that have featured in Australia A squads in the past including Kilahla Duff, Piper Simons and Milla Elaro.

As for Queensland, they have named a strong squad that includes rookie Heidi Dennis, who is returning from injury and will be racing the clock to be fit for the three-round event.

Australia captain Demi Hayes is also in the wider training squad but is still recovering from her ACL injury

On top of this, Queensland have named Olympian Kahli Henwood, called into the Sevens squad after an ACL injury to Kaitlin Shave.

Wallaroos Carys Dallinger and Mel Wilks are also included alongside 2022 Sevens debutant Faythe Manera and Reds standout Caitlin Urwin.

The Next Gen Sevens program has been a breeding ground for Sevens talent over the past years including the Levi sisters, Madison Ashby, Bienne Terita and Faith Nathan.

"The Next Gen Sevens series is integral to recruit and develop the next generation of the best of the best ‘top gun’ oval ball athletes to represent Australia on the world stage," Australia Women's Sevens coach Tim Walsh said. “This series prepares players for global travel with Australia A and builds depth for the future of the Australian Women’s Sevens program.”

NSW Waratahs Women's 7s

Ruby Nicholas (Gordon)

Kilahla Duff (Manly)

Ella Fountaine (Burraneer)

Piper Simons (Gordon)

Milla Elaro (Gordon)

Mackenzie Davis (Burraneer)

Damita Betham (Gordon)

Ella Carlisle (Burraneer)

Chanel Williams (Sydney University)

Logan Lemusu (Manly)

Edie Burke (Gordon)

Chaela-lee Falls (Manly)

Amelia Whitaker (Randwick)

Jacinta Windsor (Easts)

Georgie Fowler (Gordon)

Tess Orton (Gordon)

Stephanie Kellaway (Gordon)

Tatum Bird (Warringah)

Waiaria Ellis (Blacktown Scorpions)

Pyper Marchant (Sydney University)

Tahlia O’Brien (Wollongong Tech Warriors)

Queensland Reds Women's 7s

Sophie Duff (University of Queensland)

Emma Stockwell (Wests)

Rhani Hagan (Wests)

Carys Dallinger (Easts)

Amahli Hala (Bond University)

Zoe Waters (Toowoomba Bears)

Tahli Devine (Easts)

Meg Gemmell (University of Queensland)

Kaelyn Passi (Bond University)

Kianna Maclean (GPS Rugby Club)

Caitlin Urwin (University of Queensland)

Melanie Wilks (Bond University)

Fa’agase Tupuola-Palale (Bond University)

Tahlia Evans (University of Queensland)

Emmisyn Wynyard (GPS Rugby Club)

Piper Flynn (Easts)

Faythe Manera (Bond University)

Indiahna Frawley (Wests)

Madison Pomerenke (Brothers - Sunshine Coast)

Charli Nikola (N/A)

Ava Wereta (Bond University)

Taleah Ackland (Toowoomba Bears)

Fleur Ginn (Wests)

Kahli Henwood (GPS Rugby Club)

Heidi Dennis (Easts)

NEXT GEN SEVENS SERIES 2024

  • Round 1 – Saturday 5 October, Forshaw Rugby Park, Sydney – NSW (From 10am AEST)
  • Round 2 – Saturday 12 October, Toowoomba Sports Ground, East Toowoomba – Queensland (From 9:30am AEDT)
  • Round 3 – Sunday 20 October, Byron Bay Rugby Union Club, Byron Bay – NSW (From 9:45am AEDT)

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