Victoria’s brightest young talent came from far and wide to compete across U14 and U16 age groups in Victoria’s Schools 7s State Championships at Box Hill Rugby Club.
The Victoria Schools 7s State Championships welcomed eleven schools across Victoria, with both U14 and U16 boys and girls putting their best foot forward.
Competing for the first time included the likes of Mentone Girls Grammar, with teacher turned coach Christian Williams delighted for the girls to have an opportunity to showcase their skills.
“Rugby is something that we believe our girls can compete well in. We had one girl ask if we could start a rugby team and given Mentone has never previously had a rugby team, we wanted to do everything we could to support her,” said Christian Williams.
“Every single girl in our team had never seen a rugby game or even played the game before. Every single time they got tackled or knocked down, they got back up with a smile on their face and kept going again.”
Melbourne Rebels players Alex Mafi, Joe Pincus, Tamati Ioane were in attendance to watch both girls and boys put on a show, all noting the level of 7s rugby on display was a great spectacle with several close finishes.
While rugby was the main drawcard, new friendships blossomed off the pitch as schools came together for the first time.
Fountain Gate and The Grange players Julliana Kolio, Dhillon Baker, Eboni Heurea with Melbourne Rebels.
“I just love how this tournament brings everyone from all different schools together to play a sport that everyone loves,” said Fountain Gate player Eboni.
“We don’t have opportunities like this too often, so to be able to compete at the School 7s State Championships is really special,” said The Grange player Dhillon.
Rugby Vic Development Officer Allyssa Lolesio said the competition continues to grow each year which is fundamental for the future development of the game.
“Seeing a number of schools pick up a rugby ball for the first time and competing as a team was not only the most rewarding aspect of the State Championships, but a credit to the continued growth of the rugby across Victoria,” said Allyssa Lolesio.
“On behalf of Rugby Victoria we would like to thank all the schools, players, coaches and Box Hill Rugby Club on making the Vic School 7s State Championships a success.”
Participating schools included Parade College, The Grange P-12 College, Springside West Secondary College, Point Cook College, Sunshine College, Alamanda College, Fountain Gate College, Hampton Park Secondary, Narre Warren South College and Mentone Girls Grammar.
Tournament Champions
U14 Girls – The Grange
U14 Boys – The Grange
U16 Girls – Fountain Gate
U16 Boys – The Grange
