Shoalhaven duo's Canberra sevens side launch 'from a much higher base'

University of Canberra sevens coach Liam McGrath has named a 31-player training squad, featuring Cambewarra's Aroha Spillane and Ulladulla's Lily Murdoch, on the road to round one of the University Sevens series beginning in late March.

The likes of Brooke Gilroy and Ainsley Scrivener headline the local contingent within the squad, while emerging star Ella Ryan returns after the 2020 campaign was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Canberra finished fourth in 2019 and many in the squad have barely played sevens rugby since - but McGrath believes his side is launching from a solid foundation as they chase a place in the nation's top three sevens programs.

"These girls did a whole lot of training in isolation and then again in small groups before being allowed to play club footy again," McGrath said.

"2020 also forced a number of players to move back to their hometowns which is why you'll notice some notable names omitted from this season's team.

"During the shutdown in 2020, we were able to start working coaches regionally to set-up satellite programs that link directly into the UC sevens team but will also provide opportunities for those athletes to study.

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"We've also been able to work with other sports in the region and provide some opportunities for rugby league, OzTag and touch athletes to get some additional exposure through sevens.

"But we're working from a much higher base than we have previously which is a testament to the work the girls have done on their own and with their clubs in the 18 months since we've last been able to work with them."

Canberra will launch their campaign with a pre-season sevens tournament on home soil against other university sides on March 20.

University of Canberra Sevens squad:

Ainsley Scrivener (Canberra Royals), Alahna Ryan (Dubbo Roos), Amelia Lolotonga* (Wagga Ag College), Amy Daniel* (Uni-Norths), Aroha Spillane (Eastern Suburbs), Biola Dawa (Gungahlin Eagles), Brooke Gilroy (Canberra Royals), Caitlin Turnbull, Chloe Waddell* (Goulburn), Claudia Obst (Uni-Norths), Delilah Crighton* (Hay Cutters), Ella Ryan (Eastern Suburbs), Ella Boundy* (Canberra Royals), Emerina Marsh-Aviga* (Uni-Norths), Emma Willit* (Wests), Fapiola Uoifalelahi* (Griffith Blacks), Georgia Kennedy* (Canberra Royals), Gislea Vea* (Tuggeranong Vikings touch), Grace Kemp (Canberra Royals), Grace Tokabobo* (West Harbour), Izzy Atkinson-Smith* (Uni-Norths), Janalee Conroy (Dubbo Roos), Lilly Mason-Spice (Dubbo Roos), Lily Murdoch (Eastern Suburbs), Lily Croker*, Pesi Palu* (Uni-Norths), Sarah Deaner* (Wagga City Rugby Club), Sidonie Carroll* (Canberra Royals), Talei Wilson (Uni-Norths), Tara McGrath-West* (Wentworthville), Tess Staines* (CSU Reddies). *Denotes debut.