Australian rugby sevens star Charlotte Caslick is set to make her debut in Super Rugby Women’s competition with the Queensland Reds after being named on the bench to face the NSW Waratahs on Sunday. This marks a significant milestone in her career as she transitions from the sevens format to the 15-a-side game, fully committing to the Reds ahead of this year’s Rugby World Cup.
Caslick, who has been a key player for the Australian rugby sevens team, will not feature again for her national sevens squad this year, as she has made the decision to withdraw from the final two legs of the World Rugby Sevens Series. Instead, she is focusing entirely on her preparations for the World Cup in England, scheduled for August and September 2025.
Transition to Super Rugby Women’s
The 29-year-old will be making her Super Rugby Women’s debut for the Queensland Reds, and the match against the Waratahs at Ballymore in Brisbane will be a crucial opportunity for her to impress selectors ahead of the World Cup. Caslick’s involvement in the 15-a-side competition is seen as a pivotal step towards securing a place in the Wallaroos squad for the upcoming global tournament.
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“I’m excited for this opportunity,” Caslick shared about her switch to the 15-a-side game. “It’ll keep me fresh, inspired, and motivated to improve myself as a player and person. The World Cup in England is an exciting opportunity to be a part of, and it would be a special achievement in my career. We’re also looking ahead to the 2029 World Cup, and I think if we can set a pathway where girls are playing both sevens and 15s, it’s going to put the Australian side in a really good place.”
World Cup Dreams and Dual-Sport Growth
Caslick’s experience in both rugby sevens and 15s makes her an invaluable asset to the Australian women’s rugby program. Her dual participation could help grow the sport in Australia, following the success of the Matildas at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Caslick hopes her involvement in both formats will inspire future generations of women’s rugby players in Australia.
“It’s about developing players who can transition between formats, and that could set the stage for a strong future in Australian rugby,” she added. “I want to contribute to that growth and help increase the visibility of the sport.”
Caslick’s Career Achievements
Caslick’s storied career in rugby sevens includes winning an Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Games with the Australian team. Since joining the national squad in 2013, she has been a central figure in the team’s success, claiming multiple World Series titles. Caslick has also earned the distinction of being a two-time World Sevens Player of the Year, a testament to her skill, leadership, and dedication to the sport.
Beyond her achievements in rugby sevens, Caslick also took part in the 2020 NRLW season with the Sydney Roosters, further showcasing her versatility and athleticism.
Queensland Reds coach Andrew Fraser is excited about the prospect of having Caslick join the squad, praising her world-class athleticism and experience. “Charlotte is a world-class athlete. When you add the speed with which she plays and the intellect she has gathered over more than a decade, it’s really exciting. She’s eager to make an impression,” Fraser said.
Support from Fellow Olympians
Caslick won’t be alone in representing the Australian sevens program in Super Rugby Women’s. Fellow Olympic gold medalists Kahli Henwood (wing), Teagan Levi (centre), and the current Australian sevens captain Bella Nasser (bench) will also feature for the Reds. However, Maddison Levi, another key player for the Reds, remains sidelined due to a finger injury.
The Queensland Reds are coming off a narrow 22-19 victory over Fijian Drua in Lautoka, while the Waratahs opened their season with a 26-21 win over the Western Force in Sydney. Both teams will be eager to secure a win in this matchup, and Caslick’s debut will undoubtedly add excitement to what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Looking Ahead
As Caslick takes the field for the Queensland Reds, all eyes will be on her as she transitions into the 15-a-side game and works towards a potential spot in the Wallaroos squad for the 2025 Rugby World Cup. With her wealth of experience in rugby sevens and her desire to help grow women’s rugby in Australia, Caslick’s presence in the Super Rugby Women’s competition will be a major step forward for the sport.
Her decision to prioritize Super Rugby and the upcoming World Cup signifies a new chapter in her career, and her performances in the Reds jersey could have a significant impact on her future success with the Wallaroos. As Australian women’s rugby continues to evolve, players like Charlotte Caslick are helping to pave the way for the next generation of stars.
The Queensland Reds’ match against the NSW Waratahs is set to be a defining moment for Caslick as she embarks on this exciting new phase of her rugby journey.
