COFFS Harbour’s Brianna Hoy and Kaitlan Leaney have been selected to play for the NSW Waratahs as the Super W National Women’s XVs Rugby Union competition heads to Coffs Harbour from 24 June to 3 July.

Ten matches will be played at C.ex International Stadium over a nine day period featuring all six of the Super W teams – The NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds, Melbourne Rebels, President’s XV, Brumbies and the Western Force.

Brianna and Kaitlin will play in front of a home crowd on Sunday 27 June when the NSW Waratahs play their first match against the Western Force at C.ex International Stadium at 3pm.

The Waratahs play their second match against the Brumbies at C.ex International on Wednesday 30 June at 3pm.

Brianna Hoy described making the final squad of 27 as an amazing opportunity and is excited to play in front of a home crowd.

“It is an amazing opportunity and honour to be selected as a part of such a great team, I can’t wait to play at home in front of family and friends.

“I know the whole town is excited and will get some quality Super W rugby,” said Brianna.

The homecoming is going to be a surreal experience for Coffs Harbour teammate Kaitlan Leaney.

“It’s so surreal to be able to come back to my hometown and play at this level in front of family and friends, very grateful for this experience and can’t wait to rip in.

“It’s also an amazing opportunity to show young girls in the area that there is a pathway to play at a high level,” said Kaitlan.

The Coffs Harbour Snappers and Southern Cross University Marlins welcomed the news as Marlins coach AJ Gilbert highlighted some of the benefits for the aspiring juniors in the region.

“It’s so exciting we finally get some Super Rugby here in Coffs, we’ve shown recently with NRL and the Big Bash that the town really gets around and supports when the elite teams come here.

“It’s even more exciting that two of our own locals Kaitlan and Brianna will be playing, it was only a few seasons ago they were running around in Marlins and Snappers colours, now more than ever with a growth in girls playing rugby it really gives them someone to aspire to and a local hero to follow.

“Throw in Lachy Miller in the Aussie 7s team and Jack Winchester for the Western Force we’re creating genuine stars from Coffs Harbour.

“Hopefully the town will really get around this event and support our home town ladies and it becomes a permanent fixture,” said AJ.

Women’s Vice Captain and Snappers Womens Mentor, Nicki Black said, “The feeling from all Snappers women
is excited, proud and privileged as most of us have played alongside them and watched them grow into amazing players.

“We wish them all the best for their rugby future, they will always be a part of our Snappers family,” said Nikki.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for under 18s and are available through Ticketek.

The opening fixture is the Western Force against the President’s XV Women on Thursday 2 June at 2pm at C.ex International Stadium, more fixture information is available at www.rugby.com.au

 

By David WIGLEY