QRU CEO Richard Barker Congratulates Queenslanders on Olympic Gold
Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) CEO Richard Barker has congratulated the Queenslanders involved in the Australian Women’s Olympic squad’s Gold Medal success this morning, following their 24-17 win over New Zealand.
Barker, who started at the helm of QRU this week, said: “Everyone at the QRU and across the entire Queensland Rugby community is celebrating the achievements of the women’s squad in Rio. They went in as World Champions and held their nerve to claim Gold. It was great to see six Queenslanders on the podium holding the first Olympic Gold medals awarded in Rugby since 1924.
“The QRU staff and some of the younger members of our elite women’s program gathered at Ballymore this morning to cheer the team on. These gifted athletes showed the world that women’s Rugby Sevens is a fantastic sport to watch and play.
“QRU has created a pathway through the QAS Women’s Sevens Academy and six Queenslanders were selected to this Rio squad of 12 with both travelling reserves coming from our academy. We’re also proud of coach Tim Walsh, a former Queensland Red, and the part he has played in guiding these athletes to their success.”
Barker said the Olympic tournament had ignited interest from parents and young spectators alike, who have contacted the QRU to find out how they can get involved in Rugby sevens.
“We have already seen a massive spike in female participation since Rugby Sevens was made part of the Rio program and there’s been a lot of interest this week from girls and parents new to our sport. Rugby Sevens is the only oval-ball football code in Australia that can get participants to the Olympic Games.
“Our attention now turns to support our men’s team as they chase their Olympic dream. Three of that squad are also from our Queensland pathway.”
Queenslanders in the Australian Sevens Women’s Olympic Squad in Rio
Charlotte Caslick – Brisbane, Queensland
Emilee Cherry – Roma, Queensland
Gemma Etheridge – Toowoomba, Queensland
Shannon Parry – Brisbane, Queensland
Evania Pelite – Brisbane, Queensland
Amy Turner – Brisbane, Queensland
Dominique du Toit – Toowoomba, Queensland (Travelling Reserve)
Brooke Walker – Gold Coast, Queensland (Travelling Reserve)
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