Sevens stars join Super Rugby to push World Cup claims

NEWS: World Sevens player of the year Maddison Levi could give the Wallaroos a massive boost at next year’s World Cup after putting her hand up for selection.

Crowned the game’s best sevens player last month, Levi will headline a group of nine of Australia’s sevens stars who will play the 15-a-side game in the Super Rugby Women’s competition next season.

Levi, her younger sister Teagan, sevens captain Isabella Nasser, and Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Caslick are among a group who will play both formats, pushing their claims for World Cup selection.

Under consultation between Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp and sevens coach Tim Walsh, the nine players will join pre-season training at their respective clubs next week and play Super Rugby during a gap in the sevens global schedule.

There is a four-week break in the sevens schedule, which could allow the players to participate in at least two rounds of Super W in March.

The Wallaroos also play seven Tests before a final squad is picked, with the World Cup in England starting on August 24.

American sevens star Ilona Maher, who boasts the largest social media following of anyone in rugby, has joined the Bristol Bears as she looks to transition to 15-a-side and win World Cup selection.

“After Tim and I met collectively with players from our sevens program, we were really pleased how many have put their hands up,” Yapp said in a statement.

“Super Rugby Women’s will offer invaluable game time and experience for each player.

“It is an immense honour to pull on the Wallaroos jersey, and we need to ensure that all players are given the opportunity to prove themselves whilst keeping our team values at the heart of everything we do.”

Queensland will have the largest intake, with the Levi sisters, Caslick, Nasser and Kahli Henwood linking with the Reds.

Sariah Paki will join the Waratahs, while Demi Hayes and Tia Hinds are headed to the Brumbies, where they will be joined by Bienne Terita, who scored two tries in her Wallaroos debut in 2022.