Fullback Shannon Parry, playing on the Central Coast recently, was one of the stars of the Oceania event.
IT’S the new-look Australian team with the same dream as the one that won Olympic gold — winning every international battle they can.
And that’s exactly what the Australian rugby sevens side did at the Oceania 7s championship in Fiji on the weekend.
Australian women's sevens gold medallists Sharni Williams, Emilee Cherry, Nicole Beck, Charlotte Caslick and Shannon Parry at the Rio Olympics.Source:News Corp Australia
The team, boasting numerous new faces and youngsters, beat the hosts 31-0 to claim the title.
The Aussie men finished third after beating PNG 25-5.
The women’s side went through the tournament undefeated.
The women were using the event as vital match-play and to give younger players experience on the international stage ahead of the opening event of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Dubai in December.
Australia's Ellia Green lifts up a teammate after the sevens team won gold in Rio.Source:Supplied
“I am really happy with the performance we put out this tournament, “ said coach Tim Walsh.
“We had different experience levels in the squad with the players who were in Rio and the players doing their rugby apprenticeships.
“Our debutants were outstanding. Emma Sykes, Hannah Southwell and Shanice Parker played exceptionally well and improved on every game.
“This tournament couldn’t have been better preparation for us.
“Heading into the Dubai Sevens we have some selection headaches but that is only going to make us stronger.”
Originally published as Aussie 7s women claim Oceania title
