Victorian State Girls have walked away from the inaugural two-day Youth State Cup tournament at Harlequin Rugby Club with top honours across U16 and U18 age groups.
Taking place over the King’s Birthday long weekend, the girls-only Youth State Cup hosted teams from South Australia Rugby Union, Brisbane Rugby Union and Rugby Victoria.
Participating age groups included U14, U16 and U18s, with Victoria taking part in the finals across all three age groups.
Brisbane Rugby Union’s Captain Milliana Maseinawa took home best on ground honours for U14 girls, while Victoria Rugby Union’s Velachanty Dominic (Brimbank Rugby Club) and Lourdez Sakaria (Melton Rugby Club) took out the honours for U16 and U18 girls.
Local heroes were in attendance to watch the girls showcase their skills, including Melbourne Rebels W Captain Ashley Marsters, Laeima Bosenavulagi, Michaela Maunsell, Hope Schuster and Utumalefata To’omalatai.
Victorian U18 Youth Girls Coach Meretiana Robinson detailed some of the most memorable moments of the weekend included the way the girls came together.
“They really created a strong sisterhood. The camaraderie, sportsmanship and friendships between the players was something special to be witness too. The results were a bonus, and a reflection of this sisterhood,” said Meretiana Robinson.
“It was amazing to see the support come out as well in huge numbers and it was all for the girls which was so special.”
The Youth State Cup tournament marked the first state-based girls-only tournament, placing the spotlight on girls rugby and allowing their talents to shine.
WRDA President Sarah Stone said the Youth State Cup provided the most fantastic opportunity for the girls to put their best foot forward.
“Two years ago, coming out of COVID, there was no XVs rugby for girls,” said Sarah Stone.
“This tournament is so vitally important. The talent on show was breathtaking and with the Women’s Rugby World Cup on home soil in 2029, we should be continuing to allow these girls to shine to potentially don a green and gold jersey in the future.”
Rugby Victoria Pathways Manager Cliff Viliamu noted the standard of rugby on display throughout the Youth State Cup shows promise for the continued development and growth of the women’s game.
“It’s exciting to see the next generation of women’s rugby talent put their best foot forward and execute skills to a high level,” said Cliff Viliamu.
“The Youth State Cup would not be possible without Harlequin Rugby Club, who on behalf of Rugby Victoria, we thank for hosting such a fantastic event.”
Results
U14 Girls Final: Brisbane Rugby Union 24 def. Victoria 19
U16 Girls Final: Victoria Rugby Union 38 def. Brisbane Rugby Union 15
U18 Girls Final: Victoria Rugby Union 22 def. Brisbane Rugby Union 21
