Local girl Darcie Morrison scored three of the five tries of the Australian University Rugby 7’s Women’s team at the World Championships held in the UK last week. In their first game the team played Portugal and in the first two touches of the ball Darcie scored runaway tries, which enabled Australia to secure a draw. With speed being one of her biggest assets, Darcie was able to run a massive 90m against Spain to claim her third try for the series.

Unfortunately the competition was extremely tough and the Aussie women were unable to claim a win for the remainder of the tournament going down to China, Canada and Spain in Pool B. Charles Sturt University student Olivia Patterson, from Bathurst, also scored a try for Australia in the final game against New Zealand.

Even though a little disappointed with the end result, Darcie enjoyed the experience. “The trip was amazing. I had so much fun. I just wish we could have played better”. Darcie’s efforts did not go unnoticed by her peers who voted her Players Player for the tournament.

The Australian Men’s Team went through the competition undefeated edging out Great Britain for the Gold Medal in a nail biting final won just seconds after the final siren. The trading of apparel and equipment was a highlight for Darcie who now has garments from almost all of the other competing teams.

Since her return to Australia she has received encouraging messages from her NSW Rugby 7’s Development coach as well as the Head of the Australian Rugby 7’s Program and the current Australian Women’s Coach.

For the past 18 months Darcie Morrison has been learning the rules and skills necessary to be competitive in the sport of Rugby 7’s. Her selection in the Australian University team is testament to her dedication and willingness to learn considering her extremely short time in the sport.

The Australian team is currently in Swansea in Great Britain to contest the 7th World University Championship. The Championships are part of the sporting events of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) that are hosted every even-numbered year, alternating with the Summer and Winter Universiade.

Competitions are played in more than 50 sports. Rugby Sevens entered the programme of the FISU World University Championships in 2004 and has been increasing in popularity ever since with the 7th edition being hosted at the Swansea University International Sports Village. The first year nine countries took part, and this year 20 teams from 15 countries will be competing.

The two Australian teams flew from Brisbane last Sunday for the first leg to Singapore, continuing on to London, followed by a four hours bus trip to Swansea. Darcie met up with the NSW members in Sydney who then made their way to Brisbane. Both teams will have the opportunity to train together for two days prior to the competition.

The Australian Women’s team will play in Pool B which will see them up against Canada, China, Spain and Portugal. The Men will take on Great Britain, Namibia, Italy and the Czech Republic in Pool A. The teams will play two games each day and their place in the finals on the 9th will be dependant on their results.

Other nations competing include Argentina, France, Kenya, Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand. On departure, Darcie had mixed emotions of excitement, anxiety and nerves but was proud to be wearing the Green and Gold and having the chance to compete for her country. “I couldn’t wait to try on my
kit when it arrived and can’t wait to see the playing gear,” she said. “This is my biggest achievement in sport and I hope I can play well and do my best without making any mistakes.”

Darcie was given this opportunity through the Australian Institute of Sport Sports Draft program and identification and selection by the New South Wales Rugby 7’s Development program.

By Anita Morrison

It has long been a dream for local girl Darcie Morrison to make a National team and this week she is one step closer to her goal being selected in the NSW Rugby 7’s squad. Darcie began her journey last year when she trialled for the Australian Institute of Sport sports draft and was identified for Rugby 7’s and Combat Sports. After attending
training camps for both sports Darcie chose Rugby 7’s and began training with the NSW Development squad. Training included a two hour training session once a week in Sydney and a strict strength and conditioning program to be completed twice a day on her own. Her dedication and commitment to the sport saw her invited to play
with the Australian Team against Japan.

Darcie competed at the Australian University Games with the Bathurst CSU team who were the eventual winners of the competition. She was awarded players player for the series and was also named in the Merit Selection Squad along with two of her team mates. Last weekend Darcie competed with the Sydney University team at Campbelltown
and was named in the NSW Rugby 7 team which will now compete at the National Competition to be held in Wagga on the 5th & 6th of December. This carnival will be a platform for selectors to view promising athletes for the Australian Squad.