RWC Sevens 2009- woman's teams named

The Oceania region went through the process a couple of months ago and now we know whom our woman will compete with for the Sevens World Cup.

After a grueling battle in Samoa for the Oceania 7s title, triumphant Australia and runner up New Zealand earnt the right to represent our region in Dubai for the World Cup of Sevens. Up until now they were unsure of the make up of the opposition, but over the weekend the last two slots were filled.

Both the women’s teams of North American heavyweights USA and Canada qualified easily at the Winton Rugby Club in Nassau, Bahamas.

Canada got the better of their neighbours and arch rivals the USA 19-14 in the final and both complete the 16-team draw at next year's first ever Rugby World Cup Sevens for women.

The New Zealand and Australian woman have been in serious training and the cores of both squads have just competed in the 15s test matches between the two countries. This has them match hardened and the Australian woman will be very confident after getting agonizingly close to tipping the World champion NZ in the second test. This rivalry and stern competition will ensure that Oceania has 2 very strong teams aiming to lift the trophy in March 09.

The 16 teams to compete in the women's competition in Dubai are: Brazil, England, Netherlands, Russia, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Uganda, Japan, Thailand, China, USA and Canada.