ARU announces women's national university 7s competition

After a historic victory in Rio yesterday morning where the Australian Women’s Sevens triumphed over New Zealand to claim the first ever Rugby Sevens Olympic gold medal, ARU CEO Bill Pulver has announced new Rugby Sevens pathways that will allow other young Australians to follow in their footsteps.

“On the back of their success, we will open up new Sevens pathways in schools, clubs and universities around the country so that more young girls and boys than ever before will have the chance to work towards their dream of representing their country at the Olympic Games,” said Pulver.

AUS President Deidre Anderson added: "This competition could genuinely change the face of women's sport, along with the role of university sport in the Australian sporting landscape. We are excited by the potential that it offers to raise the profile of our female athletes."

Starting next year, the competition would include players from universities around Australia as well as potential marquee recruits from the national Sevens team and state development squads.