NARRAWALLEE product Grace Sullivan has been rewarded for exceptional season on the rugby union field by being named in the 2019 ACT Brumbies schoolgirls side.
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The former Milton-Ulladulla Bulldog is one of 27 players named in James Erwin's squad, which will go head-to-head with the NSW CHS schoolgirls side on Thursday, August 8 in Sydney.
"Being selected in ACT schoolgirls side means a lot to me, as it as a great opportunity and I can get a lot out of it," Sullivan said.
"I find it very humbling to be able to be a part of this team with such a great bunch of girls and amazing coaching staff."
Joining the Erindale College student in the squad are Aaliyah Lomas (Amaroo High School), Ainsley Scrivener (St Clare's College), Amy Rebera (Radford College), Amy Thrum (Radford College), April Downer (Radford College), Bonnie Brewer (Carroll College), Caitlin Quester (St Francis Xavier), Charlotte McCarthy (Radford College), Calre Harpley (Mater Dei Catholic College), Ella Boundy (University of Canberra), Ella Ryan (St Clare's College), Grace Kemp (Canberra Girls Grammar), Ivy Tupai (Lake Gininderra College), Jasmine Kelley (Gungahlin College), Jasmine Veikune (Daramalan College), Lauryn Nyugen (Radford College), Luke Linder (Burgmann Anglican School), Mia Kiriui (Gold Creek High School), Roxanne Horne (Carroll College), Rhylee Lemon (West Wyalong High), Selu Kiriui (Lake Gininderra College), Telseia Sekona (Canberra College), Tilly Tivalu (Canberra College) and Zali Waihape-Andrews (Erindale College).
"Heading into the match, I don't really have any expectations going up against NSW," Sullivan said.
"I believe as a team we will play really well and work together and put up a good fight.
"From a personal perspective, I just want to play my best and to keep on improving."
This year has been the 16-year-old's biggest on the field to date, after moving to Canberra on a Brumbies scholarship in January.
During that time, Sullivan has played for the numerous teams such as Royals, Erindale College and the Brumbies.
"I'm really enjoying living in Canberra at the moment and I'm extremely happy for the opportunity I have been given," the former Ulladulla High School student said.
"Being able to play with the ACT Brumbies has really made me grow as a person and as a player.
"It has allowed me to focus on my footy, while getting me closer to my dreams of playing rugby professional.
"Having this opportunity has really taught me how to believe in myself more."
Sullivan hopes behind continued hard work with the Brumbies, that more accolades will come for her in the fast growing sport of women's rugby union.
"The consistent training has helped improve my game as I have access to greater facilities and get to be a part of more programs," she said.
"There's a really strong focus on the development of girls rugby and I think the future is very bright for the sport - it's really exciting to be a part of it all."