It seems a lifetime ago, but this time last year, Angus Bell and Stu Dunbar made their Aussie 7s debut in Los Angeles. It was the penultimate round of the World 7s Series and was followed with a successful tour of Vancouver – where the Aussies won Silver, after a nail bighting final against New Zealand. Two months later, the World Series was officially cancelled, and the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games postponed.
With their futures uncertain, both Stu and Angus (pictured left making his 1st Grade debut) returned to the Students for the remainder of the 2020 Shute Shield season. International, and even domestic travel restrictions have made the Rugby 7s format almost impossible to replicate. Whilst public speculation has dominated the headlines, Stu, Angus and the Aussie 7s side have shown incredible resolve and focus.
After further cancellations to the 2020/21 World Series, and some last-minute planning, the Aussie team recently competed in three domestic tournaments, between Australia, NSW, QLD, and an Australian Pasifika team, all made up of the best young talent from the Sydney and Brisbane Grade competitions. They were hosted in Sydney, Narrabri, Armidale, and concluded with a showcase finale, between the Aussie 7s and an Australian Barbarian team, that was played at Bankwest Stadium before the Waratahs vs Western Force match last week. There were plenty of tight matches over the 6 weeks of rugby, including some extra-time thrillers, but the Aussie’s class shone through, completing the 3 tournaments as undefeated champions.
Both Angus and Stu (pictured above celebrating the Aussie 7s undefeated run in Narrabri) continue to impress, and their success over the last few weeks will only help their Olympic aspirations. With a final Oceania tournament pencilled in for late May, their hard work continues! Make sure you follow their progress, get behind the Aussie 7s team and our Students, as they chase an Olympic dream in July/August 2021.
Angus Bell in action against in Narrabri