Sevens sides confirmed for Vancouver event as Ashby re-signs with program
Sat, Feb 17, 2024, 5:57 AM
Nathan Williamson
Sevens superstar Madison Ashby has re-signed with the program as the teams head to Vancouver for next week's fourth leg of the SVNS World Series.
Ashby has signed until the end of the 2026 season, having debuted in the program as an 18-year-old.
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The 23-year-old has become a staple under coach Tim Walsh, going on to win the Triple Crown in 2022.
“I look at Sevens as the pinnacle of women’s sport at the moment. Only the fittest of the fittest can play this sport," she said.
“For me, I’m only 23 and another two years under my belt playing with the best of the best is only going to improve my skills and ability.
“It was a no-brainer for me to stay with the team and we’ve got such a young team. We’re already winning so I can see us winning more future endeavours and stuff together.
“Sevens is where my heart lies at the moment and I want to start loyal to them and I want to be there with them.”
Ashby and the Women's Sevens side will look for their third title of the 2023-24 Series in Canada.
They have been forced into one change from Perth, with Tia Hinds replacing Bienne Terita (ankle) as they open their campaign against Japan on February 24 (6:52 am AEDT).
This will be followed by clashes with Fiji (11:46 am) and USA (Feb 25, 5:37 am).
As for the Men, they have made two changes, most notably welcoming back Henry Paterson.
It's Paterson's first tournament of the year, recently named the 2023 Shawn Mackay Medalist.
Michael Icely also joins the squad, with Maurice Longbottom (calf) and Darby Lancaster (Rebels) dropping out from Perth.
“We’re thrilled to be able to welcome back Henry and Michael to the squad," coach John Manenti said.
“They’ve both worked extremely hard to get right and earn their selection and not only are they chomping at pull on the gold jersey, they’re also bringing energy and enthusiasm to the rest of the squad.
“As a group we’ve been continuing to work hard since returning from Perth, and we know we’ll need to keep improving as we look to build momentum throughout the season.”
The Men will begin their tournament against Samoa (9:58 am) before facing USA (3:02 pm) and France (Feb 25, 8:49 am)
Australia Women’s Sevens team for Vancouver SVNS:
2. Sharni Smale
3. Faith Nathan
4. Dominique Du Toit
5. Teagan Levi
6. Madison Ashby
7. Charlotte Caslick (c)
8. Kaitlin Shave
9. Tia Hinds
10. Bella Nasser
12. Maddison Levi
13. Heidi Dennis
55. Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea
65. Sariah Paki
Australia Men’s Sevens team for Vancouver SVNS
1. Henry Hutchison
2. Ben Dowling
3. Henry Palmer
4. Dietrich Roache
5. Tim Clements
6. Henry Paterson
7. Josh Turner
9. Matt Gonzalez
10. Nick Malouf (c)
12. Nathan Lawson
14. James Turner
25. Hayden Sargeant
87. Michael Icely
*Denotes potential debut.
Australian Sevens Vancouver 2024 Schedule
*All times AEDT
Women
Saturday, February 24
Australia v Japan - 6:52 am
Australia v Fiji - 11:46 am
Sunday, February 25
Australia v USA - 5:37 am
Men
Saturday, February 24
Australia v Samoa - 9:58 am
Australia v USA - 3:02 am
Sunday, February 25
Australia v France - 8:49 am
