Passion for rugby leads captain down new degree pathway

Griffith University is heading to Canberra for the second round of the AON Women's Rugby Uni 7s this weekend.
Griffith University is heading to Canberra for the second round of the AON Women's Rugby Uni 7s this weekend.

By Phoebe Maher

Griffith student and 2018 Wallaroos squad member Kiri Lingman returns to the 12-strong university squad that travels to Canberra for Round 2 of the AON Women’s Rugby Uni 7s this weekend.

Kiri completed a Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning at Griffith in 2016, before promptly returning to her alma mater to turn her studies in a new direction. She says her current academic endeavours were sparked by her onfield passion.

“After some media commitments with the Wallaroos I decided I wanted to pursue a media related career. I’m much better suited behind a camera than in front of it,” she says.

“At the end of 2016 I sustained an injury that led me to focus on life after rugby, and after talking with Naomi McCarthy (Manager of Griffith Sports College) I was offered a Sports Scholarship at Griffith and chose to return to study a Bachelor of Public Relations and Communications.”

Profile of Kiri Lingman in Australia gear
Photo: Rugby.com.au

Kiri (left) also noted that whilst at times challenging, balancing rugby and her study has been quite enjoyable. “It’s been difficult at times, but I’ve had a lot of support from tutors and the Griffith Sports College. It was a bit easier once I got into a routine with my training, games and study.”

After missing Round 1 due to Wallaroos tour commitments, Kiri will step into the role of captain as the Griffith squad aims to improve on their third place performance in Hobart.

“I was so excited to watch the girls in the first round of the competition, but it was even more exciting knowing that I was coming back to join them,” she said.

The Griffith squad will travel to Canberra on the weekend where they will face University of Tasmania, Macquarie University, University of Melbourne and University of Adelaide before hopefully securing another finals berth.

“We’ve got a really talented squad and I know that we are capable of going above and beyond our Round 1 performance.”

The squad, including six current students, that will line up for Griffith in Round 2 is: Lilly Dick (Business), Charlotte Kennington, Kiri Lingman (Public Relations and Communication), Samantha Treherne, Laura Waldie (Oral Health Dental Science), Georgie Frederichs (Business), Ivania Wong, Kirby Sefo, Eliza Flynn (Sport Development), Sophie Bell, Sophie Quirk (Exercise Science), Yolanda Gittins.