Four current students are among nine girls selected to represent Griffith University on a major sporting stage this weekend.
Griffith University’s Women’s Rugby Sevens team will take to CBUS Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on Saturday night to play local rivals Bond University in an exhibition game during half-time of the Rugby Championship clash between the Qantas Wallabies and Argentina Pumas.
Student and player, Anthea Moodie, is excited about the opportunity to showcase the skills of women’s rugby sevens in the 7-minute game that kicks off at 8.46pm.
“It’s rare to get an opportunity like this to walk out on a world class stadium, let alone play on it with thousands of spectators,” Anthea said.
“Some people forget that we’ve got skills that are just as good as the men. We’re hoping fans stay to watch us at half-time instead of going to get something to eat.”
Eloise Schlecht (Design), Chantelle Holloway-Samuels (Exercise Science) and Sia’a Sooaemalelagi (Exercise Science) are the other Griffith students who will line up at Robina for this unique opportunity.
Anthea Moodie has been studying a Bachelor of Business since enrolling at Griffith, and is now in the process of combining it with the new Bachelor of Communication and Journalism degree to study for a double degree.
“The flexibility offered by the program means that I can study three courses a semester (full-time load) and still be able to meet the demands of the rugby program.
“Being an athlete, I know my career won’t last forever, and I wanted to find something that would also assist me with my sporting career. Having the opportunity to study a double degree and add the media aspect excites me for what will come after my career as an athlete.”
She says her decision was made after discussions with and advice from Griffith Sports College after enrolling at Griffith opened up opportunities on both the sporting and academic fronts.
“Growing up on the Darling Downs I watched Rugby League, so Union was not a game I was very familiar with until I was given the chance to play for Griffith because of the AON Uni 7s Series.”
The majority of the nine girls selected to play in the match on Saturday night have not yet gained game time in this season’s AON Series and Anthea — one of those – said the match will give them their time to prove that they are capable.
“It will be a physical and high intensity game, but it just goes to show the depth of our Women’s Rugby Sevens squad and hopefully we can put it all together on Saturday and come out on top.”
The squad named for Saturday’s special occasion is: Diaz Seumanutafa, Anthea Moodie, Ivania Wong (captain), Alana Elisaiaa, Eloise Schlecht, Alysia Lefau Fakaosilea (vice captain), Georgia Devlin, Sia’a Sooaemalelagi, Chantelle Holloway-Samuels.
Gates open at 5:30pm and the Wallabies kick off at 8pm before the Griffith girls take to the field at 8:46pm.