Walsh names Australian Women’s Sevens squad for Dubai Sevens

Nov 26 • General News, International, Sevens Rugby, Sevens World Series, World Rugby • 1815 Views • Comments Off on Walsh names Australian Women’s Sevens squad for Dubai Sevens

The Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens squad for the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series opener in Dubai has been named by Head Coach Tim Walsh.

Walsh has named an experienced side that sees Sharni Williams skipper the 12-strong squad. The Batlow-born prop maintains her record of playing in every leg of the Women’s World Series since its inception in 2012.

Eight of the squad that will at The Sevens Stadium now have at least 10 World Series caps to their name.

Tiana Penitani (knee), Brooke Walker (leg) and Mahalia Murphy (toe) have not been considered due to injury.

Head Coach Tim Walsh said: “It’s round one of what is a big year for Women’s Sevens and we’re keen to get off to a strong start and stamp some authority on the series.

“We’ve kept the core group together for a couple of seasons now, and this consistency of selection is resulting in improved team performances and individual growth.”

The last two events in Dubai have seen Australia finish as runners-up (2014) and winners (2013).

“As a team, we always enjoy Dubai,” Walsh added. “It’s hot and fast – very similar to conditions in Australia. It’s a real festival of Rugby, both Men and Women play there. There’s an invitational tournament and 50,000 fans pack the stands.

“We go there with a belief we can perform and with the pre-season we have had we are confident we will perform. The results will then take care of themselves.”

The Australian Women’s Sevens team finished the 2014-15 World Series in third spot, thus ensuring automatic qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympics next August.

The Australian Rugby Union is awaiting broadcast information for the Dubai Sevens.

Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens fixtures in Dubai, UAE, 3-4 December
Australia v Spain, Pool C, 8.48pm AEDT (3 December)
Australia v Japan, Pool C, 11.44pm AEDT (3 December)
Australia v England, Pool C, 2.41am AEDT (4 December)

Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens squad for the Dubai Sevens at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, UAE:
1. Shannon Parry. Place of Birth: Brisbane, QLD
2. Sharni Williams. Place of Birth: Batlow, NSW. Hometown: Canberra, ACT
3. Nicole Beck. Place of Birth: Bulli, NSW
4. Gemma Etheridge. Place of Birth: Tamworth, NSW. Hometown: Toowoomba, QLD
5. Emma Tonegato. Place of Birth: Wollongong, NSW
6. Evania Pelite. Place of Birth: Brisbane, QLD
7. Charlotte Caslick. Place of Birth: Brisbane, QLD
8. Chloe Dalton. Place of Birth: Singapore. Hometown: Mona Vale, NSW
9. Amy Turner. Place of Birth: Tokoroa, NZ
10. Alicia Quirk. Place of Birth: Wagga Wagga, NSW
11. Emilee Cherry. Place of Birth: Roma, QLD. Hometown: Toowoomba, QLD
12. Ellia Green. Place of Birth: Suva, Fiji. Hometown: Melbourne, VIC