Just when you thought Maddison Levi couldn’t get any better at Rugby 7s she goes to another level.
The long-striding winger, 20, was a hat-trick hero in Australia’s 24-22 win against New Zealand in the Grand Final of the Rugby 7s World Cup in South Africa.
The young Aussies were crowned the champions for the first time since 2009, wrapping up a glittering season in which they won Commonwealth Games gold and claimed the World Sevens Series. They are the first team to achieve all three in the same season.
In Australia’s opening game of the tournament in Cape Town, Levi’s incredible try saving tackle on a Madagascar player stunned rugby fans. Levi sprinted more than half the length of the field to deny her heartbroken opponent what would have been an historic first try for Madagascar. Levi was also superb in attack, scoring a double in Australia’s 48-0 victory.
On their way to the decider against the Kiwis the Aussie heavyweights flexed their muscles against England, 35-5 and the USA, 17-7.
“We are so excited!” said an elated Levi, whose younger sister Teagan was also part of the World Cup winning side.
“We are spending a week with mum and dad in South Africa to celebrate then we’ll come home to the Gold Coast to share the celebrations with everyone.”
The pair won the AON Women’s 7s Series for Bond University against Griffith University last year. Bond Rugby is hopeful they will bring their experience back to the Bull Sharks for the Queensland Club State Championships later this year.
The siblings will return to the international stage in early December at the Dubai Sevens.