SVNS Series star Sariah Paki explains bold 15s switch before World Cup

Sariah Paki is bracing for a new challenge as the HSBC SVNS Series star fights for a spot in Australia’s squad for the 15s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. Paki has never played rugby’s 15-a-side format before but will transition between codes in a bid to play at the event.

Rugby Australia announced on Thursday that nine players from the nation’s women’s sevens side will play across three different clubs in Super Rugby Women’s next season. These players will begin pre-season training next week, with Paki the only sevens player joining the Tahs.

Reigning World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year Maddison Levi joins the Queensland Reds along with sister Teagan, Charlotte Caslick, Isabella Nasser and Kahli Henwood. As for the ACT Brumbies, they’ll have Demi Hayes, Tia Hinds, and Bienne Terita among their ranks.

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These world-class athletes will still have the opportunity to play on the SVNS Series, but it’s understood they’ll look to play at least two SR Women’s rounds in March. This four-week window lies between SVNS stops in Vancouver and Hong Kong China.

Paki was a touch footballer for Manly Warringah as a youngster in Sydney’s northern beaches who pushed on for higher honours in sevens. The Sydneysider debuted on the SVNS Series in Dubai in 2019, becoming the youngest person to play for Australia internationally.

The 23-year-old went on to play at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 before helping Australia take home gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. As a supremely talented athlete who boasts an impressive skillset, Paki is looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.

“My teammates just like trying out something new, and like entering the unknown and are very excited for this new journey,” Paki said in a statement.

“I haven’t played 15s before, so (I am) very nervous at the same time, but I know I have a lot of support around me… especially going with these girls. I’ll be very excited.

“As a player you want to achieve as much as you can, and to try and make a World Cup. That would be amazing for 15s as well, as I’ve won a Sevens World Cup, so that’s very exciting.”

Paki joins a star-studded Waratahs squad that will look to back up their 2024 championship run when they take the field next season. The Tahs went undefeated throughout last season, which included a 50-14 win over the Fijian Drua in the big dance at Brisbane’s Ballymore.

Desiree Miller and Maya Stewart both stood out as impressive outside backs who reaped the rewards of the team’s work up front. It hasn’t been revealed which position Paki will play for the Tahs in 2025, but the “proven winner” has some of the nation’s best Wallaroos to learn off.

“We are excited to have someone of that calibre be available,” NSW Waratahs Women’s Head Coach, Mike Ruthven, added.

“She’s a great athlete, a proven winner in the sevens space with a great skill set.

“She plays aggressively, and I think with that and her skill set, she’ll transition really well into the 15s space.

“We’ve had some conversation with the Wallaroos, and feel midfield is probably going to best suit Sariah.

“Obviously, there’s going to be some challenges just around system and structure.

“Our job and responsibilities are to put a framework around Sariah to make sure we get the best out of her. But again, she’s a great athlete and footballer. She’ll transition well.”