Tassie stars step up after rep footy hiatus

In their first games since 2019, Tasmania overcame Western Districts 31-23 before backing up with another tight win over University of Melbourne/Unicorns 27-19.

Skipper Rebecca Sweetman was named the MVP in the win over Wests, with Natalie Curtis the best back and Claire Griffiths the best forward.

For the game two victory Mia Mason was adjudged MVP, with Emma Pritchard the best forward and Jessie Mudaliar the best back.

The men also took to the field against Victoria Country in Hobart, with the visitors prevailing 29-17.

Aron Lovell and Sanjay Anandarajah both scored tries for Tasmania.

The Tasmanian Rugby Union is hopeful the games against Victorian rivals can become a regular event.

Earlier: How rep door could open for Tassie rugby

Tasmanian Rugby Union (TRU) is hopeful Saturday’s long-awaited clashes with Victorian teams can become the regular representative outlet they’ve been crying out for.

The men’s team, which usually only plays at the Australian Rugby Shield (ARS) each year, will host Country Victoria at Hobart’s Rugby Park from 2.15pm Saturday.

The women’s side will emerge from a six year hiatus by taking on Victorian club sides Western Districts and Melbourne University in Melbourne on Friday night and Saturday respectively.

Men’s coach and TRU’s head of coach development Chris Noble, a role he fills on a volunteer basis, said they hope to make the games an annual event.

“At the Rugby Australia conference last year my counterpart from Victoria and I were having a chat, and there was interest from them to get Victoria Country as an entity up and running again, and we’re always looking for someone to play against who is at our standard,” Noble said.

“It morphed into let’s include men’s and women’s teams, then how about next year our men’s side travels to them and the women’s side goes to us.

“Our men’s side goes away to ARS every year, but that’s a five day tournament and that’s our only games. Vic Country became a bit dormant and they’re pretty keen to start a tradition up to give their regional guys a better run.

“It’s the first time our state women have got together for years. We’ve previously had a state women’s side, but not a 15 a side for some time.”

Being asked to captain her state for the first time is a huge honour for Bec Sweetman, who has been a trail blazer for the sport the past few years.

“We’re pretty excited to put the jersey on,” she said.

“It’s super important (to play rep games). We’ve got really strong and passionate players across the state and to bring back experience and knowledge to share at their clubs, it will only drive the women’s game further locally.

“Hopefully it’s a pathway, and other doors open against other states in the future.

“It’s pretty exciting to be selected, but an even bigger honour to be captain.”

Noble said the rugby’s non-traditional states would benefit enormously from playing each other more regularly, but financial constraints make it impossible.

“It’s always about funding,” Noble said.

“South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and some of the country sides, we would get a lot of benefit out of playing each other more regularly.

“But the reality is we’re minority (rugby) states largely run by volunteers and the guys have to take a week off work for the ARC, and pay their own way.

“While we’d love to play a lot more games, the sad reality is we don’t have the funding like a Queensland or NSW who can afford to send teams away.”

TASSIE PLAYERS TO WATCH

Men

Nathan Fiu, Launceston (no. 8): “He’s new to our squad this year, I’m liking what I’m seeing at training,” Noble said. “He’s a solid body but also a well organised and skilful player.

Aron Lovell, Taroona (centre): “He’s still young but is an exciting talent with a great work ethic. He’s also playing alongside brother Michael from Glenorchy.

Tenju Hayashi, Taroona (fullback): “He’s a very skilful and fast player from Japan, who has moved to the state this year.”

Women

Claire Griffiths, Launceston (forward): “She’s a strong runner, outstanding tackler and her rugby IQ is second to none,” Sweetman said.

Natalie Curtis, Taroona (fly-half): “Her ball passing and handling is fantastic,” Sweetman said.

Erika Ledster, Harlequins (scrum-half): She’s quite young but her game just improves every game and she’s had a couple of junior state opportunities, so I’m excited to see her compete at a women’s level,” Sweetman said.

Originally published as Tassie stars step up after rep footy hiatus