Announcement of the 2024 Australian Schoolgirls Seven team, by Ashley Mewburn, Head Coach

The 2024 Australian Schoolgirls Sevens team brings a fresh batch of electric athletes ready to perform for the first time on an international stage at the Global Youth Sevens in New Zealand in December. The touring team is full of youth which will create depth in the program and make this team unpredictable during competition. 

There are three returning weapons from last year including Shalom Sauaso, Manua Moleka and Madison Pomerenke who will be leading the team in every aspect of the game. All powerful Shalom, who was player of last year’s tournament at the Gold Coast Global Youth Sevens, will be an attack strike weapon who is a fierce ball runner which can be rarely stopped. Manua is a dangerous ariel and defensive threat who is ever reliable for turnover possession. Madison is quick, nimble and agile with her ball playing skills and kicking ability.  

New commers Savannah Roberts-Hickling, Ellazae Ellers and Anika McCathy are three players of national interest to keep your eye on as they were standouts at the Australian Schools Rugby Championships this year. Savannah in the U19 and Allazae captained the U16s playing for Lloyd McDermott Development Team ‘Lloydies’ while Anika played for NSW U16s 1st team. All three First Nation school students will bring speed, versatility, and will pack a punch in attack and defence.

Our team is also very excited to announce Caitlyn Halse and Ruby Anderson who we welcome home from Wallaroo’s duties. These two schoolgirls have so much to offer our program with their professionalism, leadership, dedication, passion and drive for the game. 

Being the first ever touring Australian Schoolgirls Rugby Sevens team I’m looking forward to the journey ahead in creating new history and building on the positive team culture which is the blueprint of this program.

Ashley Mewburn, Head Coach