Australia Sevens backs uncapped prospect on deal through to LA 2028

Rhani Hagan hasn’t debuted on the HSBC SVNS Series yet, but the 20-year-old has earned a new deal with Rugby Australia through to the 2028 LA Olympics. The rising star is one of the Australia Women’s Sevens side’s three latest signings, inking extensions until the Games.

Then 19-year-old Hagan was added to the national sevens squad in January, following standout performances in the Next Gen 7s Series. Impressive performances for Australia A in Dubai led to higher honours, having been called into the top squad for the SVNS Series.

Hagan had impressed at all levels of touch football competition as a teenager, and was also a rapid sprinter in 100m and 200m races. The proud Quandamooka and Kullilli woman began playing rugby a few years ago and has quickly risen through the ranks.

Rugby Australia confirmed in the early hours of Friday morning that Hagan has signed a fresh deal with the program, along with Tia Hinds and Kiiahla Duff. Hinds just helped the NSW Waratahs win the Super Rugby Women’s title, and played in the Super Rugby Champions Final.

Hinds, who has captained the Australia Women’s Sevens side once in the past, is chasing her third appearance at an Olympic  Games. The playmaker has signed a two-year extension, but is immediately focused on the XVs format.

Duff debuted for the Australia Sevens side last year. Following some impressive performances in Net Gen 7s. The debutant raced away for a try with her first touch at international level, which is one of three five-pointers scored by the 22-year-old so far.

“The ball-playing trio of Tia, Kiiahla and Rhani all have bright futures ahead of them in the Australian program,” Director of Women’s High Performance, Tim Walsh, said.

“Tia was the glue and dominating game driver last season and already has two Olympic campaigns under her belt at just 23.

“Kiiahla has been patient but never missed an opportunity to take her shot and is developing well and this season will provide plenty of opportunity.

“Rhani, the youngest of the trio, joined us at the start of the year in a full-time space and is destined for a debut this coming season.”