The Australia Women’s Sevens side is set to enter a new era with young gun Isabella Nasser to captain the side in Dubai.
It comes after superstar Charlotte Caslick stepped down from the role ahead of the new season.
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The 22-year-old’s rise has been rapid since she debuted for the Australian side in South Africa two years ago.
Nasser has become an integral part of the squad, helping them to the SVNS title after taking out the Grand Final.
Her appointment is a massive show of faith from coach Tim Walsh as they look towards the future.
"It is an honour and privilege to be named captain of the Australian Women Sevens Rugby team,” Nasser said in a statement.
"There have been incredible leaders who have gone before me and I only hope to follow in their footsteps and to lead the team to future success.
"Charlotte is and always will be such an immortal legend of the game and it’s an honour to have her in the team.
"As a team and program we are evolving and maturing and we are looking forward to performing this season and leading into the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.”
Nasser and Caslick’s path to Sevens glory is nearly identical, both attending Brisbane State High before making their name in the Queensland system.
Nasser has referred to Caslick as an idol since her Rio Olympics heroics, with the two taking the field together eight years later in Paris.
“The last few seasons captaining this team has been one of the biggest highlights of my career and a true honour,” Caslick stated.
“Moving forward into the new season I’ve decided to step away from this role to allow the girls to grow in this space leading into the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.
“I pride myself on always putting the team first and I have always had that expectation on the girls too. I will continue to put my heart and soul into the Aussie Sevens program, this group and the jersey.
“I’ve watched Bella grow from a high school student at Brisbane State High School to an incredible rugby player, person and leader, and cannot wait to support her any way I can throughout the upcoming season.”
The naming of Nasser as skipper continues the dream Rugby year for the family, with brother Josh making his Wallabies debut in July, following in the footsteps of dad Brendan.
“The program has always been blessed with strong, authentic and pioneering leaders,” coach Tim Walsh added.
“Bella is a very impressive young woman possessing huge leadership potential and I am looking forward to working with Bella and the team to further unlock our potential.
“This squad will get better with age, and the best is yet to come.”
