‘Makes perfect sense’: SVNS champions Australia propose move to Brisbane

SVNS Series champions Australia will permanently relocate to Brisbane if the Government approves funding for a sevens High-Performance Centre, as confirmed by Rugby Australia Chairman Dan Herbert on Wednesday.

With captain Charlotte Caslick leading the way, the Aussies overcame a series of tough matchups at the winner-takes-all SVNS Series Grand Final in Madrid earlier this month which included a tense semi-final win over New Zealand.

Taking out the first-ever Grand Final title is the perfect preparation for the Australian women’s side before the rapidly approaching Paris Olympics. The women in gold will take on the world’s best in front of thousands at Stade de France next month.

While the Paris Games is obviously a massive focus at the moment, Rugby Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to the future of the sevens program and women’s rugby with a landmark announcement in Brisbane.

RA are intent on relocating the women’s sevens side to the ‘Sunshine State’ of Queensland if the Government backs a new High-Performance Centre or grandstand on the eastern side of the iconic rugby union venue.

“We are extremely proud of our Aussie Sevens women who have in recent years won a World Cup, a Commonwealth Games gold medal, the World Series and, just this month, the Madrid Grand Final of the latest (SVNS Series) season,” Rugby Australia Chairman, Dan Herbert, said in a statement.

“It makes perfect sense to have our elite women’s sevens program based at the same venue as our 15-a-side Wallaroos program because our strategy is to have them more closely integrated.

“You just have to see what is ahead with our hosting of the 2019 Rugby World Cup for women and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics where rugby sevens will play to sellout crowds.

“There is also the ability to inspire boys and girls on their own Olympic journey because the 13 and 14-year-olds of today will be the potential Olympians of Brisbane 2032.

“What Charlotte Caslick and the current squad do at the Paris Olympics in just a few weeks will stir that excitement even more.

“We know rugby sevens is booming for women and girls. In 2023, there was a 26 per cent growth in sevens participation. The growth at 15s level was at 16 per cent. RA has committed a further $3 million to the women’s game in 2024.

“We know Ballymore is the right home for women’s sevens.

“Today, I’m happy to announce RA’s commitment to move the Australian women’s rugby sevens program to Ballymore full-time pending funding approval for the construction of a women’s sevens High-Performance facility.”

Coach Tim Walsh highlighted the benefit of having three fields available to the team at the Ballymore complex, as well as other factors including the increased sunshine months.

The new-look Ballymore has already hosted a plethora of professional sporting teams which just goes to show that it has already become “an essential hub for women’s rectangular sport” in Queensland.

“More than 90,000 people have attended the BMS National Rugby Training Centre since it opened 12 months ago,” Queensland Rugby Union Chief Executive, David Hanham, explained.

“Men and women, boys and girls, have come to train and play rugby sevens and 15s, women’s A-League football and Flag Football. The precinct hosted three NRL clubs for training before Magic Round and rugby’s grassroots club grand finals.

“Delivering the NRTC redevelopment on time and on budget for $31.5 million is proof the new Ballymore is as billed… multi-purpose and an essential hub for women’s rectangular sport in Queensland.

“It had support from both sides of Government and we continued to work with Government on our vision for the future which is a High-Performance Centre for women’s sevens within a grandstand for the venue’s Olympic future.”