Several local rugby union talents have recently been selected to represent the ACT Brumbies in a major tournament next month. Temora sisters Kaesha Maxwell and her younger sibling, Mylah, are just two of six local players to have been selected. The sisters, who play for the Tuskerettes, were picked in squads for the Provincial Girls XV Invitational in Sydney. Kaesha was named in the ACT Brumbies Under 18 Girls squad, while Mylah, Macey Kenworthy, Rylee Henderson, Sophie Boxell and Nima Lopa were selected in the Under 16 Girls squad. Former local junior Sienna Everson, who now attends Kinross Wolaroi School, was also chosen in the Under 16 team. The number of local players involved highlights the continued growth of girls’ rugby union throughout the region. The girls’ selections followed a rigorous trial process in Canberra, where players in each age group competed for places. The Maxwell girls’ father, Jared, said the players were invited to trial after impressing coaches through their club rugby and representative appearances with Southern Inland and ACT Schools. “There were over 50 girls in each of the age groups (16s and 18s) who attended two trials at Canberra,” he said. “From there, they selected the ACT Brumbies Girls Squads for the State Provincial Championships.” The championships will be contested at the Eric Tweedle Stadium, Granville, on September 19 and 20, with the Brumbies set to face teams from New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. “All the girls are extremely proud of such an opportunity,” Jared said. “They will go into camp on Saturday (8 August) for the weekend and train every Sunday in the lead-up to the championships being held on 19 and 20 September.” The Under 16s will be led by Head Coach Junior Luteru, supported by Assistant Coaches Shelly Bradshaw and Stewart Stout and the Under 18s will be guided by Head Coach Tristan Buttenshaw, with Tim Hawke as Assistant Coach. ACT Brumbies Program Manager and current Brumbies and Wallaroos player, Lily Bone, said the squads reflected the strength of the pathway system. “Seeing players from right across our region earn the opportunity to represent the Brumbies is a great reflection of the work being done by clubs, schools and coaches throughout the pathway,” she said. “It’s exciting to see the depth of talent coming through our region, and we’re looking forward to watching these players embrace the challenge and represent the Brumbies with pride.” The Under 16 Brumbies have been drawn in Pool A, alongside NSW Juniors Blue, Queensland Country Orchids and NSWJRU Barbarians, while the Under 18 side will tackle Sydney Juniors, NSW Country, Rugby Victoria, Queensland Country Orchids, Queensland Country Baa Baas and NSWJRU Barbarians. The tournament will give the local players the chance to test themselves against some of the nation’s best young rugby talent and continue their development within the Brumbies pathway.
