A Family Affair: Catching up with Wallaroos Captain Grace Hamilton

This weeks Reds Rugby Rules blog is a little bit different. I'm interviewing an outstanding rugby player who happens to be the newly appointed captain of the Wallaroos (the Australian Women's rugby team, for those who don't know)... it's that much more special because she happens to be my cousin!

I, like many commentators, think she's a natural fit for the role. She's always been a go-getter, and a high achiever in her interests and endeavours and I don't see why she'd be any different as the Captain of the Wallaroos.

Obviously, the Wallaroos are combining the forces of women from Queensland, New South Wales (Grace's home state) and around Australia. An extended squad of 46 women was revealed a while ago and the team is now preparing for two matches to be played against Japan in Newcastle (Saturday 13th July) and Sydney (Friday 19th July). New caps selected for these matches include Queenslanders Lori Cramer, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea and Shannon Mato.

After a family get-together this month, Grace agreed to do this interview via email. Thanks heaps Grace for your time and for getting back to me so quick! I hope your team picks up lots of new supporters in the coming weeks and months!

Grace after playing for her club - Sydney Uni (old photo).

Hi Grace, first of all, a huge congrats on being given the Wallaroos captaincy! I know I might be biased, but I think you’ve earned it.

Haha, thanks Tom, you are my cousin though.

How did you respond when you heard the news?

I actually didn't have anything to say. I was scared, nervous and excited, but lost for words, all at the same time. I remember sitting on the lounge at home alone just looking out the window and crying, before I called Dad. He was out cutting wood wth Harry (my brother) and in true form, not giving much away, he just goes "oh yeah, good on your Gracie" and I still didn't know what to say.

First of all, what’s your message for rugby fans, ahead of the tests against Japan next month?

Come out and support all the wonderful women! Cheer loud, grab a Wallaroos beanie and grow the support for womens rugby, not just for us, but for all the girls who are going to play in the years to come! Let's make it a really special experience.

You and your team are playing everywhere this year, including Perth, on the same night as the Wallabies and the All Blacks! Which Wallaroos test in 2019 do you think will be the toughest?

Look, I don't like to think too far ahead. We have a job to do this coming week and each week we move onto the next job. We haven't spent a lot of time together yet, so it's about us developing and improving in every aspect of our game and learning.

Dad, Grace and I at Suncorp after Grace's NSW squad
played against our Queensland girls!

The new Wallaroos squad has 16 uncapped players! A number of women from Queensland and also New South Wales have been named. You must be proud of the players who have stepped up!

I'm so proud of every single girl, not just in the Japan playing group, but the whole squad and every girl that put their best foot forward throughout the Super W competition. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment to be apart of Super W and Wallaroos training sessions and it's a testament to each girls worth ethic and commitment to be recognised for this.

We’ve spoken about this before… but I do want to congratulate you again for your Super W win! I do run a Reds blog, but I want to say one more time I am super proud of all that you do.

Haha, I know it's hard to swallow every time we play the Reds, but you're their number one supporter and although I'm committed to the Sky Blue you know I love what you are doing!

Thanks Gracie. I know it’s a busy time, so thanks heaps for taking time to chat! Hopefully I’ll make it down for one of the Japan matches.

Yes, I hope to see you there. I can't wait!

To check out my 2017 interview with Grace and her teammate Emily, click here.

At Suncorp Stadium with Grace and former Wallaroos captain Ash Hewson - after their
hit-out at the Brisbane Global 10s. (Who won this time around?)