The Melbourne Rebels and Rugby Victoria have launched the U18 Youth Girls Academy, the first female U18 Rugby Academy in the state's history.
The Elite Squad of 10 players selected are partaking in an individualised performance program that has a long term development outlook.
The Academy focuses on the player's physical development over a 10 week period with the aim of readying them for the 2019 Lindroth Cup season and U18 Schoolgirls tournament, with the end goal being to set the players up to transition into our Melbourne Rebels Super W squad over the course of the next few years.
Head of Academy Nic Henderson said: "This is an exciting announcement and an important step in the pathway for female rugby players as we look to transition them from club rugby into more performance based programs like the U18 Schoolgirls and Super W."
"All the players in the inaugural squad have been identified through performances in the U18 schoolgirls tournament in 2018.
"We hope to transition the bulk of this squad into the Super W fold in 2020.
"A big thank you to the CFA and ACE Performance who have been able to assist in the creation of this Academy."
2019 Melbourne Rebels U18 Youth Girls Academy
Allyssa Lolesio-Pua (NA)
Hope Faoagali-Kareta (Moorabbin, Fountain Gate)
Kristina Sa'aga (Northern, St Monica's College)
Liutasi Samau (Northern, Epping Secondary College)
Sarah Epa (Western Districts/Brimbank, Victoria University Secondary College)
Sefrina Sa'aga (Northern, Thornbury Hugh School)
Sheniqua Taula (Casey, Victoria University Secondary College)
Jess Campbell (Northern, Monash University)
Rebecca Dominic (Western Districts/Brimbank, Victoria University Secondary College)
Rosalia Leumuava (Northern, Melton Secondary College)
