Two of Victoria’s brightest up-and-coming rugby players, Jenna Aiono and Fofoa Tulimafono, have taken major steps forward in their sporting careers.
While representing Victoria in the U18 Girls Sevens team, both players impressed Rugby Australia selectors and the Super Rugby scouts, earning selection for two major development opportunities. The first an invite into the national sevens pathway programs, a key stepping stonetowards future professional and international honours. They have also joined the Brumbies, Victoria’s closest professional side, in the Next Gen Sevens Cup, a prestigious tournament showcasing the next wave of sevens talent from across Australia.
Aiono has already taken the field for the Brumbies, having helped deliver their only win so far this tournament against the Queensland Reds, while Tulimafono continues her recovery from a recent injury. For both players, these opportunities mark a significant step towards elite competition, offering the chance to train and compete alongside some of Australia’s top athletes.
Their selection is a result of outstanding performances, hard work and determination. It also reflects Rugby Victoria’s commitment to building clear and inclusive pathways for young female players, an area of the game experiencing rapid growth. These opportunities have been made possible thanks to the generous support of Ralph D’Silva Motor Group, WRDA Victoria and Lindsey Cattermole AM, whose backing ensures young Victorian athletes can pursue national-level competition.
Rugby Victoria’s Head of Pathways, Braydon Peterson, acknowledged the vital role sponsors play in creating these kinds of opportunities.
“Without the backing of partners like Ralph D’Silva Motor Group, WRDA Victoria and Lindsey Cattermole, we simply wouldn’t be able to offer these experiences to our players,” he said. “These young women have earned their shot, but it’s the support behind the scenes that makes it possible.”
Rugby Victoria would like to sincerely thank our program sponsors for their belief in the vision and their ongoing support of the next generation of rugby talent.
