Kahli Henwood is hoping to emulate legendary flanker Michael Hooper as she prepares to take her first steps into 15-a-side Rugby.
Henwood is one of five Sevens players linked with the Queensland Reds for this year's Super Rugby Women's competition as they push for a spot at the Women’s World Cup later in the year.
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While most of the contingency are eyeing a backline spot, the 25-year-old grew up watching the four-time John Eales Medalist dominate and wants to follow in his footsteps.
Hooper made the reverse transition in a quest to play at the Paris Olympics, before missing out for selection.
“I always used to watch Michael Hooper so I’m drawn to that number seven jersey in 15s,” she told rugby.com.au last month.
“Whether I'm good enough at it or whether they want me to play there is another story but that's a position that I've always looked up to playing in. I think it kind of suits my capabilities as well.
“… I've never played 15s before but I've watched it growing up and I've always loved the tactical side of that game so I think just putting myself in a new place to develop that part of my game is my inspiration to do both codes.”
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Henwood toiled away in the Sevens system for years before her sudden introduction on the biggest stage of them all at the Paris Olympics.
The Queenslander was picked as a reserve before an ACL injury to Kaitlin Shave saw her elevated into the squad on day two and debut before she had stepped foot on the World Series.
“I didn't really go over expecting to get to play on the field. You never wish any injury or anything on any of your players,” she reflects. “For me to just get into that reserve position to start off with was a massive achievement. I was always ready to get on the field but I never expected it.
“It didn't really sink in until I probably stepped onto the pitch and threw my first ball, and I was like, ‘Wow'
"It's a pretty incredible thing to be playing on the biggest stage in front of all these people with a bunch of girls that have all been training hard for the past four years to get to this point as well.
“A lot of hard work went into it and (I) never expected it but I was extremely grateful to be able to be part of it.”
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