Rugby superstar Charlotte Caslick has committed to Rugby Australia and the women’s sevens program for another year to help defend their Olympic crown.
Caslick had a stint in NRLW this year and made two appearances for the Sydney Roosters before a back injury ended her season early, the former World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year has decided to return to the code where she made her name on a one-year deal in an attempt to win a second straight gold medal.
“I’m really excited to be re-committing to the Australian sevens program for what will be a massive 2021 with the Olympics in Tokyo”, Caslick said.
“This team has taken the challenges thrown at us in our stride and I am really proud of the way we have adapted and progressed with everything that happened this year.
“I am looking forward to continuing the hard work as [we] work towards that Olympic goal.”
The re-signing came amid a wave of other returning players including Sharni Williams, Shannon Parry, Ellia Green, Chloe Dalton and Emilee Cherry.
“We saw this year how world class Charlotte is across the codes and it is a credit to her the way she attacks every opportunity both on and off the field,” Australian women’s sevens coach John Manenti said.
“We are really excited to have Charlotte committing to what will be a big 2021 with the Olympics ahead and making sure that we are peaking at the right time.”
Caslick was instrumental in the Australian sevens team’s success at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, scoring a try to help ensure victory in the final against New Zealand.
Her play during the Olympics, along with that of her teammates, was inspiring to many young women – sparking an insurgence in the amount of junior rugby players around Australia.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Really don't understand your comment - she has been in the rugby program since 2012 or 2013 and yes she is being paid as a professional athlete which is great to see. You could argue that all athletes that are professional ie paid are mercenary based on your comment. Luckily you don't have to watch her or the 7s team play. (^commit)
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Terrific article in the SMH in regards to the Caslick re-signing – it was great she referenced how rugby had led the footy codes with its professional 7s program - this should be flagged more often by Rugby AU Caslick said. “I think sevens is still leading the way in the contact sport domain for women. While I can still do this full-time and train professionally, I won’t be passing it up.” Also she noted that Grace Hamilton had been in her ear to convince her to play for the Wallaroos.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Laughed when I read the word "committ". Terrific player but merely a "mercenary" to Rugby. Rather see a "flogger" from anywher, a girl that has loyalty to Rugby, one given an opportunity of representing Australia.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Completely agree, it is critical that Pelite is re-signed, I don't believe we can win Olympics without her - she adds value equally in attack and defence.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Excellent news. Quality player, hope she goes well.
Ron
Guest
Can somebody from RA please give Tamika Upton a call....???
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
Terrific footballer, hope she can stay fit ... had a bad run with injuries recently, including her spell at the Chooks being cut short.
Diesel 2.0
Roar Rookie
Great news, she along with Evania Pelite are essential to winning back to back OG 7's gold medals. BTW, they were on another level in the WNRL this year which most thought they would struggle with.