Kaitlin Shave: Former Sprint Champ Ready to Ignite the Sevens Stage in Dubai

As the SVNS Series kicks off with a revamped look in Dubai, the Australian women’s sevens team is gearing up to make a powerful statement, introducing a former high school sprint sensation to the world of international rugby.

Kaitlin Shave, donning the No. 8 jersey, is set to make her debut at The Sevens Stadium on Saturday and Sunday, bringing her exceptional speed and athleticism to the star-studded Australian squad. The 22-year-old Queenslander showcased her prowess during the AON Next Gen Sevens earlier this year, crossing for an impressive 19 tries in just 12 appearances, foreshadowing her inevitable ascent in the sevens arena.

Having missed out on last season’s leg in Vancouver due to injuries sidelining co-captain Demi Hayes and veteran Sharni Williams, the stage is now set for Shave to shine.

As the SVNS Series ushers in a new era in rugby, Madison Ashby, one of the players to watch this season, praised Shave’s exceptional speed and expressed confidence in her ability to leave an indelible mark on the World Series.

“Australia produces some of the best wingers, and she has unreal speed,” Ashby told Nine’s Wide World of Sports. “I feel like this season she will get a good shot and mark her name on the World Series.”

Under the mentorship of experienced wingers like Maddi Levi and Faith Nathan, Shave is poised to evolve into the “ultimate athlete” and glean invaluable insights from her seasoned teammates.

The Australian squad for the Dubai SVNS is a formidable lineup, led by Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Caslick. Record-breaking try-scorer Maddison Levi, along with rising stars Faith Nathan and Bienne Terita, adds depth to the squad’s talent pool as they set their sights on claiming the series title.

Coach Tim Walsh emphasized the team’s rigorous preseason, focusing on enhancing player and team rugby IQ, resilience, positional depth, and team combination. With the squad at full training capacity and the inclusion of debutant Kaitlin Shave, the Australians are ready to embrace the challenges of an intense Olympic season and elevate the sevens spectacle on the world stage.