Olympic gold medalist Shannon Parry will bring her range of world-class skills to the Griffith University team that contests the inaugural Women’s Aon Uni 7s Series when it kicks off in August.
The Australia co-captain is one of two elite stars from the Australian Women’s Sevens squad to be named today (Wednesday) in the Griffith squad, with rising star Demi Hayes the other star recruit.
Both Shannon and Demi have added incentives to lead Griffith to glory. Shannon graduated from Griffith with an education degree, while Demi is currently on leave of absence from her business studies at Griffith to fulfill national Rugby Sevens commitments.
“We’ll be able to share our knowledge and experience with the next generation of players, which is a great opportunity for them and for us. It’s our chance to inspire the younger girls,” Shannon Parry said.
The entire Australian Women’s Sevens squad will play in the Women’s Aon Uni 7s Series, linking up with university teams around the country. The elite national competition kicks off in Tasmania with the first of four tournaments also involving teams from University of Canberra,University of Adelaide, University of Tasmania, University of New England, Macquarie University, Bond University and University of Queensland.
The skills of Rio gold medalists, Charlotte Caslick, Sharni Williams, Emilee Cherry and Evania Pelite, will also be on show.
“To go from training and playing alongside my Aussie Sevens team mates to competing against them will be really tough, but we’re all up for the challenge. Knowing the competitive spirit of my team mates, all of us will be playing to win,” Shannon Parry said.
The Aon Uni 7s Series incorporates four two-day tournaments at the University of Tasmania, Launceston (25-26 August), Macquarie University, Sydney (9-10 September), University of Queensland, Brisbane (16-17 September) and Bond University, Gold Coast (29-30 September).
Director of Griffith Sports College, Duncan Free OAM, welcomed the announcement describing Shannon and Demi as ‘a perfect fit’ for the Griffith squad.
“Their skills and experience will enhance a set-up that is already very well positioned through Griffith’s partnerships with Griffith Uni Colleges Knights Rugby Club and Sunnybank Rugby Union Club,” he said.
“Our squad is poised to make a powerful impact on a competition that will take women’s rugby sevens in Australia to a new level.”