Inverell Highlanders are on the search for new women rugby players after a successful year has seen some of their top performers leave for professional contracts.
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While Rhiannon Byers starts her year as a development player for Australia (full story, p24), twins Mykayla and Hannah Crisp are finishing up a their own contracts in Hong Kong. Several Highlanders players travelled the country in a representative capacity, as part of the UNE Lions and Central North teams.
Coach Dale Beattie is already keen to see another wave of stars come through for the 2019 season. “Some wonderful opportunities have come in the way of girls who’ve played for the Inverell Highlanders,” he said.
“We’re on the hunt to find the next Rhiannon Byers.”
The Highlanders kick off their pre-season training at the rugby club next Tuesday, January 22 from 6.30pm, with an evening of basic ball skills and fitness. Men, women, and players old and new are all welcome to come along.
The training will continue each Tuesday night, with Thursdays expected to be added as the beginning of the season approaches.
“If there are any players out there or any young women or old women, or anyone who’s interested in trying their hand at rugby sevens, then I encourage that they come down to the Inverell Highlanders, and who knows, we may have the next superstar in the making,” Beattie said.
“Come down even if you’re uninterested or just want to have a look. I know a lot of people are a bit nervous about tackling and rucks and not knowing the rules when they first start, but to be honest it’s all about mateship and it’s all about getting in there and just having a go. If you have a competitive bone in your body, then rugby sevens is the game for you.”
Beattie admits he might be biased, but says rugby sevens is the best game in the world, and perfect for those seeking a competitive challenge.
“It’s non stop action, and it’s from one end of the field to the other end of the field. It’s the ultimate test of physicality, so it’s great fun,” he said.
There are many exciting developments on the horizon for the local game, including the inaugural Inverell Sevens weekend tournament, to be held on March 9-10.
“It’s a very exciting tournament. It’s one of the first times ever in Australia there’ll be equal prize money for both the men’s and the women’s tournaments,” Beattie said.
With $10,000 in prize money up for grabs, organisers are hoping to see interest from all over the country. Entry is $300 a team.
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