Stuartholme Rugby 7s Shine on the World Stage at the France Rugby Heritage Cup 2023
Over the past week, 12 exceptional students from Stuartholme School, an independent Catholic girls’ school, embarked on a remarkable journey to France to compete in the inaugural France Rugby Heritage Cup 2023, held from the 2nd to 7th of September. The event showcased rugby talent and brought together teams from all around the globe.
The spotlight of this event shines brightly on Stuartholme’s Rugby 7s team, which has made history by securing a remarkable fourth-place finish, marking them as the second female team worldwide in this tournament. Their impressive journey to the final, saw them compete with New Zealand Condor Sevens, where they displayed remarkable prowess, finishing the game with a score of 9-4.
The Overall Rugby Heritage Cup Rankings:
- Madagascar
- Iona College
- College Nord (France)
- Stuartholme School
The journey to the Rugby Heritage Cup began when Stuartholme’s Rugby 7s program kicked off in 2020. Despite facing initial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program gained momentum in 2022 when the under-13 girls clinched the Catholic Secondary Schoolgirls’ Sports Association (CaSSSA) Rugby 7s title. This achievement paved the way for the school’s collaboration with Iona College as the Australian representatives in France. 
In recent weeks, the girls focused their training on France and the Heritage Cup tournament at Pontlevoy Abbey. They had the privilege of receiving coaching assistance from Brad Thorn, following his commitments with the Queensland Reds, which added a valuable dimension to their preparations.
The significance of women’s rugby and women’s sports was not lost on spectators and fans during the Heritage Cup. The tournament showcased how gender is becoming increasingly irrelevant in sports, with young boys proudly supporting their female sporting heroes. The success of women’s rugby on the world stage, such as the Aussie Women’s Rugby 7s, illustrates the growing acceptance of female athletes in traditionally male-dominated sports.
This remarkable journey for Stuartholme School would not have been possible without the dedication of the players, the guidance of their parents, coaches, and the unwavering support of the Stuartholme community. Stuartholme’s presence on the world stage at the France Rugby Heritage Cup 2023 is a testament to their commitment to excellence and the bright future ahead for women’s rugby.
As the curtain falls on the Rugby Heritage Cup Pontlevoy 2023, Stuartholme School extends heartfelt gratitude to François, the event’s founder, and everyone who contributed to making this tournament an astounding success. The future of women’s rugby at Stuartholme and in Australia shines brighter than ever before.
