The Women’s Eagles will have an unusual sight in their lineup for the Sydney 7s this coming weekend. An injury to Bulou Mataitoga has seen World Cup prop Hope Rogers called into the group of 12 for the second stop on the HSBC Sevens Series. In a game typically reserved for loose forwards and outside backs, to see a test-level tight five player of any kind included in an international sevens roster is very uncommon, to find a prop selected is almost unheard of.
Olympic 7s captain Kelly Griffin returns to a side that includes one further newcomer in Beantown’s Sarah Buonopane. Returning for their second selections after making their debuts in Dubai in December are Kayla Canett and Cheta Emba. Four Olympians are present with Griffin supported by Ryan Carlyle, Joanne Fa’avesi, and Alev Kelter, with the latter wearing the captain’s armband for the first time.
The team has been drawn in Pool C at the tournament along with England, Spain, and Russia. All matches will be streamed live on The Rugby Channel.
WOMEN’S EAGLES 7s
Sarah Buonopane, Kayla Canett, Ryan Carlyle, Cheta Emba, Joanne Fa’avesi, Kelly Griffin, Nicole Heavirland, Alev Kelter (capt.), Hope Rogers, Naya Tapper, Kristen Thomas, Kate Zackary
NON-TRAVELING RESERVES
Lilly Durbin, Sam Pankey
DAY ONE FIXTURES
FEB 2 – 20:52 EST – vs Russia
FEB 2 – 23:12 EST – vs England
FEB 3 – 01:54 EST – vs Spain