Australia will send a Women’s Sevens representative team to two high-profile invitational tournaments in October and November, the ARU has confirmed.
The Fitness First Central Coast Sevens International Rugby Festival and Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens events will be crucial as Head Coach Tim Walsh shapes his squad ahead of the first round of the 2014/15 IRB Sevens World Series in Dubai.
Taking place on the weekend of 25-26 October, the Women’s Kinesio Cup at the 2014 Central Coast Sevens will feature a host of high class international and domestic sides, including Canada, Brazil, Fijiana, ACT Brumbies and Rugby Sevens specialists Tribe 7.
Central Coast Sevens Tournament Organiser Craig Morgan, said: “We are excited to have an Australian rep team return to the Fitness First CC7s. They were our 2011 Champions and are currently ranked second in the World Series. They are a great addition to what is a magnificent international field of teams.
“The Aussie girls will add another dimension to the tournament and will face valuable and tough game time. We are excited about the teams return and no doubt they will be looking to add the 2014 Kinesio Cup to the already impressive trophy cabinet.”
The 2014 Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens takes place at Lawaqa Park between 13-15 November.
“We are also thrilled that the Aussie Pearls will headline the Crest Na Iri Trophy in Sigatoka,” said Tournament Director Nick Jordan. “As winners of the 2012 event and semi finalists last year we are sure they will again be a strong contender.
“We look forward to seeing their talents at Lawaqa Park ahead of a crucial Olympic qualifying season.”
Tim Walsh, Head Coach of the Australian Women’s Sevens side, said: “The more tournaments we can play the better it is for the depth and experience for the current squad. There is a big gap in between Sevens tournaments and the girls need to play.
“Before we played in Dubai last year we had some great prep in Fiji. It was a well-run tournament and the fields generally are in good shape. The tournament last year really helped us adapt our game – we generally excel in dry conditions but in Fiji we had to learn how to play in monsoon-like conditions on Finals day.
“These two tournaments will give us international exposure and give some of our less-experienced players an ideal opportunity to sample a normal Rugby Sevens weekend against high-quality opposition.”