Exciting young talent Wallace Charlie is set to make his senior debut for Australia at the SVNS World Championship this weekend in Los Angeles. At just 18 years old, Charlie, who hails from Cairns and is of Torres Strait Islander heritage, gained recognition last year as the Most Valuable Player at the Global Youth Sevens tournament in Auckland. He will proudly don the No.77 jersey, a tribute to his seven siblings.
Men’s coach Liam Barry expressed his enthusiasm for Charlie’s selection, stating, “The opportunity that Wallace has taken when he’s been around training this season has exceeded our expectations.” Alongside Charlie, Michael Icely joins the squad, replacing Hadley Tonga and Sid Harvey.
The Australian men’s team, having finished sixth in the series standings, prepares to face tough competition in Pool B against Spain, Fiji, and New Zealand. Barry noted their previous performance, highlighting four quarter-finals and two podium finishes this season as evidence of the team’s progression. “If we do well it will be a strong finish to a solid season,” he said, emphasising the importance of concluding on a high note.
On the women’s side, the Australian team enters as defending champions, having secured the title in Madrid last year. Coach Tim Walsh is excited about the return of key players Isabella Nasser, Demi Hayes, and Heidi Dennis, who are back from injury and replace Tia Hinds, Bienne Terita, and Charlotte Caslick, who are currently with the Wallaroos in Fiji. Walsh expressed confidence in his squad, indicating that younger players have risen to the occasion throughout the season.
The women’s team, currently ranked second, will face Fiji, the USA, and France in their pool. The matches for both teams are scheduled for Saturday, May 4, with the men’s fixtures commencing early in the morning, including a notable game against New Zealand, and the women’s team playing in the late morning.
As the tournament approaches, both teams are eager to showcase their preparation and determination on the field. The excitement surrounding Wallace Charlie’s debut and the women’s quest to defend their title adds to the anticipation of a thrilling weekend of rugby.