Australia Sevens star Bienne Terita is spurred on by her breakout World Cup campaign in 2021 as she looks to inspire the ACT Brumbies in 2025.
Terita returns to the 15s format for the first time since the 2022 World Cup, in which the Sevens star was one of the tournament's breakout stars.
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At the time, the 21-year-old was on the fringe of Sevens selection and with the support of coach Tim Walsh linked up with the Wallaroos for the Pacific Four series alongside Sharni Smale (née Williams).
She scored a double against the Black Ferns in Adelaide before replicating that effort in the Rugby World Cup opener against the Kiwis in front of what was the biggest-ever crowd for a Women’s Rugby game.
When she crossed fo a crucial try over Scotland in the group stages, Terita’s stocks were risen exponentially and she parlayed her confidence into a regular spot in the Sevens set-up.
“That's a massive reason why I want to come back because of the experience I had when I made my first World Cup debut,” she said.
“I always knew in the back of my mind that I eventually wanted to come back and play 15s, and I think this is a perfect time for us to do that and put our focus there.
“ I think at the time the 15s opportunity came up because of the selection for Sevens and I obviously did my best and brought as much value as I could to the 15s team at the time. It gave me a lot of confidence coming back to Sevens, and hopefully with that experience, I can add a lot more in the next World Cup if I get there.
Terita returns to the Sevens program glowingly telling her teammates about what it was like.
The majority of the nine that will switch between the two formats in 2025 admit watching Terita and Smale shine inspired them to give it a shot, with Terita eager to become a two-time World Cup participant.
“It's awesome. We only had me and ‘Sharns’ at the last World Cup from the 7s program, so it's really good to see the other girls put their hand up.
“I know a lot of the girls are really keen to hopefully get there as well, so it'll be a really exciting time.”
Since Terita’s return to Sevens, the wing position for the Wallaroos has ramped up in competition.
Maya Stewart started alongside Terita against Scotland on her debut and has since gone on to emerge as one of the best wingers in the world.
Waratah Desiree Miller has also established herself as a world class winger whilst Biola Dawa will likely partner Terita on the wing for the Brumbies.
“They are pretty set on positions at the moment with Maya and Desiree and now some of us wanting to come, so I might have to expand my mind a little bit and maybe put myself in a different position
“I think hopefully playing in a Super W team, I'll be able to get a little bit more experience there… I've heard awesome things about the Brumbies program, and it's pretty evident in, those younger players developing so we're really excited to go over to the Brumbies."
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