SHOALHAVEN’S Ruari von Prott and Aroha Spillane will have the opportunity to showcase their rugby union exploits on the world stage.
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The pair have been selected to represent the Illawarra at the girls rugby sevens tournament in Hong Kong from March 30-31.
“For the tour trials, we went to University of Wollongong fields to be tested on physical fitness and game play,” von Prott said.
“There was a lot of running involved and strength testing, such as push ups.
“Our ball reaction time was also tested in little games, which was fun.”
The tournament, which will be hosted by the Sai Kung Stingrays, will take place at King’s Park in Hong Kong – with in expected to involve more than 75 different teams.
The competition will involve girls aged from under 6s to under 19s, with Nowra HIll’s von Prott in the Illawarra under 19s side and Cambewarra's Spillane in the Illawarra under 16s team.
“I was over the moon when I was selected,” von Prott said.
“I know most of the girls but I also got to make new friends, so it’s amazing that I get to play my favourite sport with such great friends.
“On top top of that, it’s great to have Aroha by my side.
“We’ve been together for a couple years now and she’s a great team member.
“We’ve won a lot of championships, so I’m excited to see how we will go.”
Both von Prott and Spillane enjoyed successful seasons on the field in 2017, which included winning the Illawarra Rugby women’s sevens competition together for University – but this tour is a whole new ball game.
"This tour is completely different to any I’ve competed in before because I’ve never played abroad,” von Prott said.
“It’ll be exciting to experience different cultures and religions and play against teams that aren’t from Australia – I’ll be able to learn a lot more skills just by playing very talented teams.”
Both players are currently looking for businesses and individuals to sponsor their trip.
If you are interested, please contact Kim von Prott on 0419 196 082.
The pair are also running a fundraiser raffle, with tickets costing $10.
Prizes included: $2,000 Flight Centre voucher (first prize), $1,000 cash (second prize) and $500 Caltex voucher (third prize).
Ticket con be obtained through Karina Spillane (at the Smoke Spot).
Courtney Ward
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
