On the eve of the Sydney Sevens, Australian Rugby and the Sevens program have received a boost with World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Charlotte Caslick re-signing until the end of 2026.
The long-term extension ensures the future of Caslick in Rugby Union, having established herself as one of the greatest-ever Sevens players since her debut in 2013.
HSBC SYDNEY SEVENS TICKET FINAL RELEASE: GET YOUR TICKETS TO RUGBY’S BIGGEST PARTY NOW!
“I am really excited to have re-signed with Rugby Australia. They led the way in women’s sport when they professionalised our Sevens program back in 2014 and they are committed to continually raising the bar,” Caslick said in a statement.
“For me it was a simple choice to commit to the Sevens game. If you are prepared to embrace the hard work that comes with being part of the world’s best and most challenging high-performance program, then this is the sport to be involved in.
“We play a World Series. We play a World Cup. We play at the world’s two biggest multi-sport festivals: the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. There are easier options, but if you want to compete in the world’s best sport, this is where you need to be.
“The Australian team is made up of an amazing bunch of talented women that I love training with and genuinely enjoy playing alongside. I know my best playing days are still ahead of me – look at Sharni Williams who, at 34 years old, is an integral part of our squad and an inspiration to many. I am so thankful for the continual support of [Head Coach] Tim Walsh, the trainers and staff, and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together over the next four years.”
A post shared by Charlotte Caslick (@charlottecaslick)
The list of accomplishments for the 27-year-old is near endless, one of two Australians to have won Olympic gold, Commonwealth Games gold along with a Rugby Sevens World Cup and World Series title.
Caslick was named World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2016, claiming her second award six years later after co-captaining Australia alongside Demi Hayes to a historic 'Triple Crown.'
She sits seventh on the all-time tryscoring list with 137, on the verge of becoming Australia's greatest ever try-scorer as she sits four behind fellow gold medalist Ella Green.
This is coupled with leading the tackle count (432) and runs (596) along with being in the top five for clean breaks (111) since those stats were collated.
“Charlotte is undoubtedly the ‘Empress’ of the Sevens game,” Australian Women’s Sevens Head Coach Tim Walsh believes. “She has redefined perceptions of women’s contact sport with her inimitable power, skill, intelligence and ruthlessness.
“Charlotte’s commitment to the Australian Rugby Sevens demonstrates the program’s pedigree, where our athletes are tested every day, travel the world together and play on the world’s biggest sporting stage. “Like her evergreen teammate Sharni Williams, Charlotte continues to develop her skills – there is no limit to her potential. As her coach, I am thrilled to continue this partnership with such an incredible person.”
To have secured Charlotte’s services for the next four years is an incredible honour for Rugby Australia,” RA CEO Andy Marinos added. “Charlotte is an athlete of the highest calibre, so we view her decision to re-sign as affirmation of our world-class Sevens program and endorsement of our vision for the future of Australian Rugby.
“She will no doubt play an integral role as our Women’s Sevens team chases gold at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and the Commonwealth Games on home turf in 2026. On and off the field, Charlotte has been an exceptional role model and continues to guide and inspire the next generation of Rugby players.”
The Rugby.com.au are a proud part of Rugby AU