In 2017 a group of young women, some who had never played a team sport before, took their newly found Rugby Union talents to Canberra, and over a gruelling season, took the ACT Rugby world by storm.
The Far South Coast Falcons U17s and U15s 10-a-side teams finished premiers and minor premiers respectively in their inaugural season. In the Spring, they hit the paddock for the Brumbies Super 7s series and put on a very respectful show in Broulee, Tumut, Wagga and Goulburn
The Falcons' campaign for 2018 has commenced, with training taking place for the Sevens Squad every Tuesday and Thursday evening at Tathra. Players are coming from as far as Narooma and Eden to train at Tathra in the lead up to the South Coast 7s, being held at the Falcons' homeground on 17 and 18 February. The 10s players are also training, making sure they have the fitness and skills they will need for the next season starting in Term Two.
The newly formed Falcons club also has a new committee: Scott Harris is President and Rugby Manager, Arwyn Hankinson is Vice President, Kate Howarth is Secretary and Janet Kiely is Treasurer/Registrar. Other general committee positions are also being filled by Al Christison and Rachael Foiakau. Former Wallaby Gary Pearse continues as the club patron.
"Rugby Union is played by over 8 million players worldwide. Women’s Rugby accounts for one quarter at around 2.2 million players across 54 countries. Following the Aussie Womens 7's blitzing of last weekend's Sydney 7s competition, it is no wonder so many young girls are inspired to play," said Mr Pearse.
"Many universities offer opportunities through Rugby Union, not just in Australia but also overseas. You can represent your country on many different stages, including the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics and contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be from a private school."
"The future is looking great for Women's rugby and the really great thing about the Falcons is their camaraderie, their commitment and their enthusiasm. The smiles at training are infectious," he said.
Any girls aged between 13 and 17 years interested in playing Rugby Union, or just finding out what all the fuss is about, are welcome to come to Falcons training. They will have the opportunity to meet the teams and learn about Rugby Union. Everyone is welcome. The Falcons website has all the information needed find out more about the Falcons including fixtures, events and training times. www.fscfalconsrugby.com.au
South Coast 7s is on 17 & 18 February with junior boys playing on the Saturday and junior girls on the Sunday.
Above: Far South Coast Falcons 2017 U15s 7s team played against teams from all over NSW in the Brumbies Super 7s series will play again at the South Coast 7s on 18 February in Tathra. Pictured here with Batemans Bay.
Above: In 2017, Far South Coast Falcons U17s 10s team, were Premiers of the first Junior Girls 10s competition in Australia
