The Bull Sharks have again proven Bond University has Australia’s premier women’s rugby program, taking out the Fiji Day Rugby 7s tournament at Sunnybank last weekend.
It was the start of their campaign to win a fourth consecutive Queensland 7s title to add to an undefeated reign across both rugby formats that includes four straight Queensland Premier Rugby titles and two Australian Club Championships.
In the latest triumph, a rematch of the QPR grand final against Easts, the Bull Sharks destroyed the Tigers 43–5.
Bond’s women’s 7s coach, Setu Naseri, said the result was an ideal way to launch their summer campaign.
“We had quite a young and inexperienced team, but we also had a couple of old heads in there that provided experience,” Naseri said.
“For some of the young players, it was their first campaign with Bond in the 7s. Girls like TJ Murray played really well, and we had a 16-year-old debutant, Grace Buchanan from the Gold Coast Eagles.
“Buchanan is another youngster who has made our coaching selection a headache because of the way she performed.”
Bull Shark and 2025 Rugby 15s premiership player Tiki Calliste was named Player of the Finals.
“Tiki was consistent all day long,” Naseri said.
“She played in the fast forward position and the back – a bit of a utility for us, filling a number of positions.”
Bond’s women’s program continues to draw players from across the region keen to be part of the blue and gold success story.
“We had 30-plus girls at training on Tuesday night,” Naseri said.
“There’s just so much talent floating around who are keen to pull on the Bull Sharks jumper, so we’re in a good spot at the moment.
“We’re hoping to have two teams for the Byron Bay 7s and the BrisVegas 7s.”
Naseri said the increasing focus on women’s rugby had lifted standards across Queensland.
“Wests will be strong and so will GPS,” he said.
“GPS have just appointed a new coach for next year for their 15s team, so I’m sure they will put in quite a bit of effort for their 7s.”
Meanwhile, the Bond men also impressed, finishing equal third after a 7-all draw with Sunnybank.