Even at 33, Beauden Barrett may be the All Blacks’ ‘franchise quarterback’ through to Rugby World Cup 2027.
Running an Australia XV tour alongside the Wallabies’ voyage is a smart decision which may pay big dividends.
Three-time Olympian Charlotte Caslick remains eager to represent Australia at next year’s Rugby World Cup in England. Revered as one of the greatest rugby sevens players of all time, Caslick wants to pursue 15s but will only do so initially with one club in Super Rugby Women’s.
Earlier this year, Caslick became the first woman to play 50 tournaments on the now-called SVNS Series. Australia’s captain was met with loud cheers of support from the crowd at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver as she ran out of the tunnel before facing Japan.
That was yet another history-making moment in the Australian’s already distinguished international rugby sevens career. Caslick is the longest-serving player in the team’s history after debuting in 2013, and there’ve been a lot of moments to celebrate since.
At the 2016 Rio Games, Caslick was part of Team Australia’s side that won the first-ever women’s rugby sevens medal at an Olympics. Caslick is also a Rugby World Cup Sevens champion and a two-time Commonwealth Games medallist.
With multiple overall titles on the SVNS Series, as well as other incredible individual feats including more than 175 tries and 880 points, it’s hard to argue with the facts. Caslick is a gem in rugby sevens, but an opportunity to try something new awaits – under one condition.
It has to be the Reds.
“Yeah definitely, I’d still love to play,” Caslick told RugbyPass and Rugby.com.au when asked about whether she’s interested in next year’s Rugby World Cup.
“I’ve been talking to (coach Andrew Fraser) up in Queensland around playing Super W. I have said that if I play Super W, I’ll only play for Queensland. So I hopefully will get to do that at the start of next year, just to get some footy under our belts.
“But obviously, it’s hard aligning it with the SVNS Series. We obviously don’t have our full calendar yet.

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Kaitlin Shave had a childhood dream of competing at an Olympic Games, and the Australian was able to do that before injury disaster struck.
“Definitely, it’s the goal. Hopefully, a lot of the sevens girls are looking towards the Rugby World Cup next year. I think it’s gonna be an amazing spectacle for women’s rugby so for us to be part of that would be really cool.”
Caslick has played for a Sydney-based team in an Australian domestic competition before but that won’t be the case this time around. When the sevens circuit was put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, Caslick played two games for the Sydney Roosters in NRLW.
But, it’s all about Queensland now.
If given the opportunity to don the Queensland jersey in Super Rugby Women’s next season, Caslick will step into the unknown. “I watch it a lot but I haven’t played it a lot,” Caslick revealed when asked about her background in 15s.
Caslick played a season before signing a full-time contract with the sevens programme, but this would still be a relatively new challenge for the proud Queenslander. The Reds have depth in their backline, including Wallaroos Carys Dallinger at flyhalf and fullback Lori Cramer.
“When I played, it’s like when I was 17 so it’s a long time ago, I was played 10 and 15 and I’d just get the ball and just run around. Obviously, it’s developed a lot since then and evolved a lot,” Caslick explained.
“If I played for Queensland I would like to play 15. I feel like if I was to play 10 and I’m coming in and out of Sydney into the camp, it’s just so disruptive to the team.
“Honestly, I’m happy to play wherever. I just want to play and get the opportunity and wherever they think I’d be best, I’m happy to give it a go.”
HSBC SVNS Perth takes place on 24-26 January at HBF Park. Plan your ultimate rugby weekend in Western Australia with the help of flexible travel packages including tickets and accommodation. Buy Now or Find Out More.  

I'm not sure whether Jo Yapp will be pleased or not. Caslick has no real pedigree in 15s. I'd have said she was a flanker, does she have the speed for a full back?

Quality player! A number of the sevens ladies could push for 15s spots 👌 Would love to see her at 10 but she makes a fair point about fullback.
Join free and tell us what you really think!
Running an Australia XV tour alongside the Wallabies’ voyage is a smart decision which may pay big dividends.
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Wriggle and giggle. That's what we called Loigue.


Wriggle and giggle. That's what we called Loigue.

I don't see George at 10 as a loss, though she does kick the odd 50:22. Powell will do just as well and is more mobile.


I don't see George at 10 as a loss, though she does kick the odd 50:22. Powell will do just as well and is more mobile.

I'm not sure whether Jo Yapp will be pleased or not. Caslick has no real pedigree in 15s. I'd have said she was a flanker, does she have the speed for a full back?


I'm not sure whether Jo Yapp will be pleased or not. Caslick has no real pedigree in 15s. I'd have said she was a flanker, does she have the speed for a full back?

administrators look to come up with all sorts of madcap schemes

100% agree. Fix the basics and the schemes will take care of themselves. That's not easy, but its the way forward.


administrators look to come up with all sorts of madcap schemes
100% agree. Fix the basics and the schemes will take care of themselves. That's not easy, but its the way forward.

He's a great player, I read somewhere though that he's inelligible


He's a great player, I read somewhere though that he's inelligible

Gotta milk every last drop of talent outta him!


Gotta milk every last drop of talent outta him!

If Tua wants to play for Aussie I guess he'll be in, next best thing at 12 to Kev and Hunter.


If Tua wants to play for Aussie I guess he'll be in, next best thing at 12 to Kev and Hunter.

Hmmm…Oh well, he's here now, so let's make the most of him I say


Hmmm…Oh well, he's here now, so let's make the most of him I say

Tall about a speculator of a deal M! The Hamster was really hoisting the Hail Mary on that one eh?


Tall about a speculator of a deal M! The Hamster was really hoisting the Hail Mary on that one eh?

Pone has a lot of upside, and there were grounds fro hope in that one game for the Tahs when he gave a dominant scrum performance. Just needs more top guidance.

Not sure if Quade will get back in, may depend on his connection with Joe!?


Pone has a lot of upside, and there were grounds fro hope in that one game for the Tahs when he gave a dominant scrum performance. Just needs more top guidance.
Not sure if Quade will get back in, may depend on his connection with Joe!?

Ha ha.

He's in my team only because Tua may be unavailable because he's a Kiwi, and would set out to undermine the team from within..etc


Ha ha.
He's in my team only because Tua may be unavailable because he's a Kiwi, and would set out to undermine the team from within..etc

Personally thought Malia was much better than Fassi in all the games I watched but other than that on reflection it’s pretty spot on, maybe Clarke for Arrendse as he surprised me but again it’s a personal selection


Personally thought Malia was much better than Fassi in all the games I watched but other than that on reflection it’s pretty spot on, maybe Clarke for Arrendse as he surprised me but again it’s a personal selection

'The Romanian Rambler' – priceless AD 🤣

Melbourne Roar midfielder – intentional Freudian slipper??🤣 We don't speak that word around here!

But seriously, I do feel there are grounds for hope if they can give the youngsters some extra help to develop them quicker. It is a race against time and they need a fast-track which is not only provided by coaching but mentorship…


'The Romanian Rambler' – priceless AD 🤣
Melbourne Roar midfielder – intentional Freudian slipper??🤣 We don't speak that word around here!
But seriously, I do feel there are grounds for hope if they can give the youngsters some extra help to develop them quicker. It is a race against time and they need a fast-track which is not only provided by coaching but mentorship…

Just on Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, it's being reported that his contract contains a clause in his favour whereby he can extend his stay in Australian rugby by a further 2 years taking in 2028 and 2029 on $2m a year!!!

Fancy thinking the $900,000 pay rise he's getting to go from league to union was the daftest part of this whole deal!


Just on Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, it's being reported that his contract contains a clause in his favour whereby he can extend his stay in Australian rugby by a further 2 years taking in 2028 and 2029 on $2m a year!!!
Fancy thinking the $900,000 pay rise he's getting to go from league to union was the daftest part of this whole deal!

My hope is that Sua’ali’i and guys like Pone absolutely blitz them in the early tour and signicantly strengthen the main team.

Guys like these plus Skeleton and Kerevi add class and size, and all of a sudden you have a good team.

I do hope the Japanese clubs play ball, because Kerevi and (IMO) Cooper are musts. I'm not sure they will though. I'm also not sure that these 2 trust RA either


My hope is that Sua’ali’i and guys like Pone absolutely blitz them in the early tour and signicantly strengthen the main team.
Guys like these plus Skeleton and Kerevi add class and size, and all of a sudden you have a good team.
I do hope the Japanese clubs play ball, because Kerevi and (IMO) Cooper are musts. I'm not sure they will though. I'm also not sure that these 2 trust RA either

Well it's all relative isn't it? They are relatively successful because at least they are making progress on the business front and attracting investors.

You can wish for France to obey the same rules as NZ, but why should they?? They have two fully pro leagues.

And what the hell is NZ's CVC money if not selling your soul to the highest private bidder??


Well it's all relative isn't it? They are relatively successful because at least they are making progress on the business front and attracting investors.
You can wish for France to obey the same rules as NZ, but why should they?? They have two fully pro leagues.
And what the hell is NZ's CVC money if not selling your soul to the highest private bidder??

It's a ridiculous scenario that through no fault of his own Willis was forced to find a new job overseas due to the collapse of Wasps. If stories are to be believed then with reduced salary caps and squads already in place nobody in the Premiership was in a position to offer him a contract at the time so he was left with no alternatives but to continue his work elsewhere. Had Wasps not folded it's very likely he'd still be there now. As it is he's ended up at about one of the most attractive clubs in the world, I assume is being paid a good whack, doesn't have to worry about job security and is performing well on the pitch.


It's a ridiculous scenario that through no fault of his own Willis was forced to find a new job overseas due to the collapse of Wasps. If stories are to be believed then with reduced salary caps and squads already in place nobody in the Premiership was in a position to offer him a contract at the time so he was left with no alternatives but to continue his work elsewhere. Had Wasps not folded it's very likely he'd still be there now. As it is he's ended up at about one of the most attractive clubs in the world, I assume is being paid a good whack, doesn't have to worry about job security and is performing well on the pitch.

And they were privately owned because they could not be funded by the union, who then interfered with their affairs from start to finish – and not in a good way. RA wouldn't even pay them the money they were owed at the very end. Union problem, but you must know that.


And they were privately owned because they could not be funded by the union, who then interfered with their affairs from start to finish – and not in a good way. RA wouldn't even pay them the money they were owed at the very end. Union problem, but you must know that.

JW says so above. And as we all know, he is the font of all rugby knowledge! No, really he is…😂😂😂


JW says so above. And as we all know, he is the font of all rugby knowledge! No, really he is…😂😂😂

I don't buy the ruck-hitter theory I'm afraid JD. Is Cane better at it than DP or EB, enough to balance the difference in overall involvement? No.


I don't buy the ruck-hitter theory I'm afraid JD. Is Cane better at it than DP or EB, enough to balance the difference in overall involvement? No.
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