Young Gropers impress on the big stage

A total of 16 players were privileged to be a part of two teams specifically selected by Rugby WA to play on Australia Day in curtain-raisers for the HSBC International Rugby 7s.

Ten players from last year's Under 12s and under 10s combined, with one player each from Esperance and Kalamunda, to form an under 11s team, while six players were included in an under 9s Southwest Spirit team.

The HSBC Sevens is an annual series of international Rugby tournaments run by World Rugby across 10 countries featuring national sevens teams.

Perth is one of the host cities for 2024 and 2025 tournaments that will provide a great boost for the profile of the sport in the state.

Gropers under 11s coach Olly Chanin highlighted what a great opportunity it was for young local players to be a part of this year's tournament.

"Our Junior Gropers did us proud going up against some very big opposition and showing them just how much skill and ability we have down here in Margaret River," he said.

"It was such a great opportunity for them to play on the big stage and experience the excitement of being in a huge sporting stadium and part of a massive international tournament. They all thoroughly loved it."

The under 11s were also selected to form a Guard of Honour for the Women's Fiji and Brazilian teams as they ran out onto the field for the opening game of the tournament.

This continued the successful collaboration amongst the South West clubs to form South West Spirit teams and the continued recognition of how strong rugby is in the region.

Last year, four South West Spirit teams (including 10 Margaret River players) were sent to the Southern Lions Junior 7s tournament, with the under 12s and under 11s making the final and the under 9s making the semi-finals.

Rugby certainly is strong in the South West, and especially in Margaret River.

To find out more about Margaret River Gropers Junior Rugby, check out www.facebook.com/juniorgropersrugby.