One Percenters: Sevens switches, Hooper's message to Hewson

Sun, Apr 29, 2018, 9:00 AM
Sam Phillips and Beth Newman
by Sam Phillips and Beth Newman
Charlie Taylor is looking at non-rugby careers. Photo: Getty Images
Charlie Taylor is looking at non-rugby careers. Photo: Getty Images

It's been another interesting week for rugby news.

What did you miss this week?

Sevens talent switching things up

Chloe Dalton is stepping away from the Sevens program. Photo: Getty ImagesChloe Dalton stepped away from the women's Sevens program this year, but don't be surprised to see her bob up in a new sport in the coming weeks.

Dalton and former Aussie Sevens teammate Brooke Walker have both been named in Carlton's VFLW squad, the level below the juggernaut that has become of AFLW.

The Rio gold medallist was the first-choice kicker for the Aussie Sevens and has plenty of leap in her game as a former rep basketball player as well, making Dalton a prime ruck prospect for the Blues.

The VFLW season kicks off next weekend, with players looking to impress ahead of the AFLW draft later in the year.

Dalton isn't the only Sevens player you might see bob up elsewhere, with news Charlie Taylor is venturing down the acting path, rather than the rugby path.

Taylor looks to have played his last tournament at the Commonwealth Games, with the Insta-famous athlete believed be looking to focus on a burgeoning acting and modelling career, that includes a possible dream of featuring in an iconic Australian show.

Hooper's message to Hewson


NSW's Super W team has been riding on a wave of support after their inaugural competiiton win, but some of the behind-the-scenes support has been the most significant.

A key part of the growth of women's rugby is ensuring the support is there from their male counterparts as well, and retiring champion Ash Hewson revealed that was plentiful.

Rebels duo Richard Hardwick and Tetera Faulkner spent time with the Rebels women during the season and Reds centre Samu Kerevi has been a vocal advocate of the women's competition as well.

Hewson, who kicked the winning penalty in the thrilling Super W final, received a text from Wallabies and Waratahs captain Michael Hooper on the morning of the final, wishing her good luck.

"I know at Waratahs, the headquarters there, the boys really get behind us and for Michael Hooper to message me the morning of my grand final while I'm having breakfast to wish me luck that's a really special thing," she said.

"That will only get better as well, especially after I think people seeing this competition and as it grows, the support, the sponsorship is only going to grow as well."

It's acts like these that have Hooper held in such high esteem in the wider rugby community and they might just be the elements that have contributed to reports of an unprecedented contract offer for the national skipper.

Reds embrace their roots


If you watched the Reds game against the Lions, or the replay once you saw the result, you might have noticed the Queenslanders donning socks from their junior club days.

From Brisbane State High School to the Yamba Bucaneers, the Reds players were paying tribute to teams that helped them get to the top level, in their community week.

Players also donned their club jerseys at training ahead of the game.

Given the result, maybe it should become more of a tradition up there.

Waratahs head on out


Still on community rugby, the Waratahs made the most of their bye week, visiting some local clubs' training sessions this week.

Curtis Rona was one who made the trip out, to his club Parramatta, with the club thanking him on social media for making the effort.

Wales on top at Deaf Rugby Champs

Australia hosted the Deaf Rugby 7s World Championships this week. Photo: World Deaf RugbyAustralia couldn't quite make it a fairytale home tournament in this week's Deaf Rugby Sevens, at Sydney's Daceyville.

Wales took out the ultimate prize, edging England in the final, with a Fiji Barbarians side finishing third.

The Aussie men won three of their five preliminary games, but went down in the quarter-final to the Fijians.

England were too strong for Australia in the women's competition, beating the hosts 5-0 in their series.

Wales also bested the Aussies in a one-off Test to finish one of the biggest weeks in deaf rugby in recent memory.

The tournament was the first of its kind in Australia since the early 2000s, a landmark opportunity for the countries to face off.

For a full tournament wrap, click here.

Phipps ties the knot

Congratulations to Wallabies and Waratahs halfback Nick Phipps, who said 'I do' with partner Ebony on Saturday, with a couple of familiar faces standing beside him.

 

Mrs Phipps 🍃🌸

A post shared by Nick Phipps (@fangsie) on

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