Catching up with Queenslander Lavinia Gould

What a week for Women's Rugby! This Friday is of course the final for the first ever Super W competition and the Queensland Women's XV are up against New South Wales!

In the middle of a busy week of training, I was lucky to catch up with Lavinia Gould. A very experienced player, Lavinia has normally played at number 10 this year, but has been moved to the side of the scrum (number 7) for Friday's game, as I found out tonight.

I hope you enjoy reading our interview as much as I enjoyed talking with her! Be sure to tune into the final this Friday, at 4:45pm on Fox Sports.

Hi Lavinia, first of all, congratulations to you and all of the team for making it to the final of the first ever Buildcorp Super W competition!

Thank you very much!

Are you excited? Because I sure am.

Extremely excited. It feels like a long time coming. I’ve been playing the sport for a long time and this will be an awesome highlight. So, extremely excited.

What's been your favourite thing about the Super W season this year?

I think just being the first women’s team to start the competition and having the opportunity to be a part of it. That’s where it’s at for me.

How have you been enjoying playing #10 for the Queensland team?

Number 10 - it’s obviously a hard position, doing lots of organising and you’ve just got to be game ready. Not that any other position isn’t, but you’ve got to be focused for 80 minutes. So it’s been really challenging but I hope I’ve stepped up to and done a good job of. It’s been really exciting playing back at 10.

Is it your preferred position?

Um - I’ve played a lot at 10, I don’t know if it’s my preferred position. Obviously, if I’m a back, 10 is it for me. But I do love the rough stuff and I love playing at 7 as well, which I’ll get an opportunity this weekend to play at on Friday. So I’m extremely excited to play this game.

You've played rugby in New Zealand and Australia. What was it that brought you over here? We love having you here.

It’s been a life-changing experience being an Aussie. I’ve been over here for 8 years, but I did spend the last 2 back in New Zealand with the NZ Sevens team. But it’s just a different culture, different rugby culture, totally different game actually. So it’s been a pleasure playing both and an absolute pleasure playing in Australia aswell.

You played Sevens in New Zealand for many years, your team even won the Oceania Women's Sevens competition. How did you find that experience?

Sevens - I started playing XVs initially and then went straight into Sevens. I’ve played both for a very long time in New Zealand. I equally love Sevens and XVs. Again, two totally different games. I call XVs “real rugby” to be honest, but you obviously get so much space in Sevens, it’s so much quicker, shorter and you can just go for gold.

What was it that got you into rugby originally?

I moved out of the town that I grew up in - I grew up playing soccer, so I played at quite a high level. When I left school, I moved cities and basically it was somewhere to go to meet people. And honestly, from the first training and the first game, I was hooked. I hung up my soccer boots and I haven’t stopped playing since.

I support that decision. What’s some advice that you would give to young girls and boys aspiring to play the game?

Just give it a crack and you’ll absolutely love it, as we all have. Whether it’s just for fun, whether it’s social, or whether you want to take it as far as you can, just give it a crack and don’t look back.

Can you tell us something about yourself that not many people may know?

Um, I have a twin sister! She also played a bit of rugby, for three years aswell. And I have two beautiful girls who I absolutely adore and love. Hopefully one day I’ll see them on the rugby pitch too!

Thank you so much for your time. I know it's an exciting and busy week for you. All the best on Friday. I look forward to cheering from the sidelines in Sydney.

We absolutely appreciate what you give to us Tom. You’ve given your time. Obviously you’re a rugby enthusiast and we absolutely love that and we thrive on it to be honest. So thank you and we appreciate you.

A Conversation with Queensland Winger Ivania Wong

It was fun catching up with Ivania Wong this week. Ivania is one of the great up-and-comers in the Queensland Women’s XV, a team that is heading for the Super W final next Friday against New South Wales!

[Tune into Fox Sports at 4:45pm, on Friday 20th, or join me at Allianz Stadium in Sydney! It’ll be a great game, before the post-match entertainment that will feature the Waratahs and the Lions.]

I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed chatting with her! For a player so talented, you won’t believe how long she’s actually been playing rugby for…

Hi Ivania, Nice to chat! Thanks for taking time for an interview. I know your team is busy training hard.

How are you feeling this week? I hope you did get too sick, along with the rest of the team.

I’m feeling alright. It’s pretty exciting, with the build up and stuff, so I’m pumped for it. We’re doing pretty good. We’ve got three trainings left after tonight, so we’re excited to keep building.

A huge congratulations on the win over in Perth. You must have been proud of the teams effort.

Thanks! Yeah it was a pretty close game. What topped that win off was how we fought and played as one to get that final score at the end that would put us through to the final.

You and the team have done so well. We are really proud of you and your efforts so far. I'm cheering you on, all the way to the final!

Thank you. Hopefully we can bring the trophy home with us. 

As a part of the Super W competition, you are a part of history for Queensland and Australian sport. How does that feel?

It’s a pretty big thing to be a part of this. This is my third year playing, so to be a part of Super W is something that for women’s rugby, it’s pretty unreal.

Besides making the finals, what's been a highlight of the season so far?

I think it’s just being a part of something so big. It’s something that everyones getting pumped for, it’s not just us getting excited for it.

I'd like to hear about your rugby journey. You came from Papa New Guinea - what brought you to Australia?

I moved here because Dad moved here. I wasn’t really a fan of Rugby Union, I was more of a “Leaguey”. But then, one of my mates decided to invite me to training, I went to Sunnybank and ever since that first training I just loved it. I’m in my third year playing now.

How old were you when you started playing rugby?

I was 18, I’m 21 this year.

What's your favourite thing about the game of rugby?

You get to meet a lot of people that end up being your mates, some of your best mates.

What are your personal goals, rugby or otherwise?

Umm I’d love to play for the Wallaroos, I’ve never really thought of it, but I’m starting to have that in mind. Hopefully I’ll go down that path.

What would your message be to Queensland rugby fans, looking to the finals?

Coming from my first game, I think that was a big game for us, and the excitement level was there. It’s a pretty big thing and everyone should be excited for it. It’ll be a big game!

Thanks Ivania for your time. See you in Sydney!

Thank you!

Sitting Down with Sammie Treherne

This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Queensland Fullback Sammie Treherne. As one of the stars in the Queensland Womens XV, she helped secure the team a place in the finals next Friday. In their last round game, they came back from a half time deficit to win 32-30 against the Western Force… thanks to an amazing team effort, which included three tries from Sammie!

A real character on and off the field, Sammie is definitely a player to look out for, next Friday and into the future. It was great to catch up and hear her talk about the game she loves most.

[Finals news: Queensland will be playing New South Wales in the (first ever) Super W final on Friday April 20th. Make sure you tune into Fox Sports and watch! I’ll be watching from the stands in Sydney… ;-) ]

Hey Sammie, Thanks for taking the time to chat! I was sad to hear some of the team have been unwell. How are you and the team this week?

I’m ok! Some of the girls, I think they’re recovering. They had a good break over the week. It was good for us to have that time off, and we’ve all come back fresh so far. There were a couple of niggles, but nothing too serious.

Congrats on the teams last win in Perth! That was an exciting game for sure, I enjoyed watching.

Yes it was a close game. It was a nerve-racking game on the field. All of the girls they just didn’t want to loose, they didn’t want to go down at half time.

How did it feel securing a spot in the finals?

The first the Super W final! It feels good to say that it’s Queensland and New South Wales. 

You played extremely well - well done on scoring three tries!

Thank you.

How has training been going, in the lead up to the final on the 20th April?

I think tonight was our first training with our head coach. On Monday we came together and had a lot of contact, just to blow off the cobwebs, after having the whole week off to recover last week. We had a good hit-out, we were all focused and we’ve improved from our trainings from round one to this round. So I’m looking forward to going to the finals.

I love hearing people's rugby journey. How did you end up playing the game?

My family are a huge rugby family, my Mum and Dad met through rugby. I just grew up watching rugby in Melbourne. I started playing when I was 18, and then went through the Rebels and then the Aussie Sevens squad. I wasn’t getting very far with everything down there, so I made the move to Queensland. And ever since I moved here, which was in 2016, it’s just grown since then.

What do you love most about rugby?

Probably just being around the girls. It’s such a great sport. Girls just always get around each other. When ever I’m having a bad day, I love coming to training and seeing all the girls. Especially the Queensland Reds. They’re all driven, they’re all motivating and they’re always there for you. And also the feeling of winning I guess.

What do you love most about playing for Queensland?

Just the girls. They always get around each other, they’re always so supportive. It’s always good at training. They always go hard against each other, but we’ve always got each others backs on the field. It’s good to have that feeling. We always trust our team mates up here.

What are some things you love to do, besides rugby?

Hmmm. I don’t know! It’s really all I’ve got! (Laughs) I like to go out and eat. If you’re going to have down time, it’s probably good… I’ve been working full-time and then training, doing that morning and night…

I like camping as well, going somewhere quiet. They’re my two main things. Eating and camping.

Thanks Sammie for your time. See you in Sydney!

Are you gonna be in Sydney?

I'll be there!

Yeah, cool! That’s alright. Thank you for interviewing me!

Jono's Journey: A Conversation with Reds Flyhalf Jono Lance

This week I had the pleasure of catching up with Reds Flyhalf Jono Lance. After a few seasons with the Waratahs and the Western Force, returning to Brisbane to play with the Queensland Reds, has been a great “homecoming” for him.

Jono shared about his teams eventful overseas trip and how he feels being back at Ballymore. I hope you enjoy reading the interview, as much as I enjoyed chatting with him!

Welcome back home! You and the team have had quite a trip overseas…

Yeah we have! It’s been a big few weeks, and we stuck together which is good. I think it was just a good experience for all the guys, to go to Cape Town via London. And to get the frequent flyer points up is always good. 

How've you been since you got back?

Really good. For me it was definitely a home-coming and it was very exciting. My family were very excited to get me back. Mum and Dad were keen to go to Caxton Street before games so they were pumped about that. For me, with some of the coaches here… our backs coach [Paul Carozza], I’ve been working with him since I was 14. So to be able to work with the guy who I’ve spent most of my rugby career with, it’s been exciting.

What were a couple of highlights from your overseas trip?

A few highlights… Definitely the game in Argentina was awesome, but also the travelling fans. There was a group of guys who were doing a bike ride through South America and they timed it perfectly, as Reds fans, to be at the game. They showed us a banner they’d made of Brad Thorne after game. That was a pretty awesome experience seeing them.

And I suppose spending time with guys that I hadn’t seen much of in 5 years was pretty awesome. There was a lot of funny moments off the field, a lot of laughter, which is always good.

Coach Brad Thorne was really happy about the trip. How did you feel about how the team played?

Yeah very good. Thorny was happy, and I think the whole group was too. In Super Rugby, you do one big trip every year and I know from that, if you can get a win away, it’s massive. To come back from a big trip with 5 competition points, at a stage where we haven’t had many home games, puts us in good stead for the rest of the year.

It seems the team is playing really well together. How are you feeling in the lead up to the Brumbies game this weekend?

Yeah really good. I think we’ve definitely been growing, a lot of new combinations. The most exciting thing for me is just how young the group is. If you look at the bench this weekend, I think the average age is 22 or something ridiculous. We’ve got a guy on the bench this weekend who was born in the year 2000, which is amazing, it makes me feel really old. He’s got the nickname Y2J. So feel free to use that one - Y2J for Jordy.

You were here from 2011-13. How good is it to be back at Ballymore?

Yeah. Awesome. I had some great moments here in those three years. For me to get the chance to play here with some good mates of mine is something that rugby’s all about. I think what you’re seeing with how we’re playing at the moment is 23 guys going out and ripping in. They’re the teams that you like being a part of the most.

We’re having a lot of fun at training, but when it’s time to rip in, we’re not afraid to bash each other during the week.

You came from a Rugby League background . What drew you to Rugby Union?

My mates all played Rugby Union when I was young and I went to a school that was played Union, so it was a pretty simple choice for me. My Mum jumped on board quick, but it took a while to convince my Dad to come around. But I think he’s a Rugby Union fan now. Don’t tell anyone in Rugby League circles that, but he loves watching his Union. Obviously I still love watching my Rugby League and there’s a few tragic Broncos supporters in the team, but yeah for me it’s all about Rugby Union now.

How did you end up in Brisbane originally?

So, I went to school on the Gold Coast, went to TSS and used to play against all your brothers and your brothers mates at State High. But for me, it was just after school finished, I had an opportunity to come up and play at UQ. They had a bit of a professional type set up for guys who weren’t in a professional environment, which was exactly what I wanted to do. It was good because I had a year not playing professionally, just enjoying my rugby and playing club footy, which reminded me why I wanted to play professionally. But it was still very serious.

That’s how I ended up in Brisbane, and with the Heavies. The mighty Red Heavies.

What are you enjoying most about being back in this great state?

Yeah. Getting back to see my family is pretty awesome, after four years out of home. Just to see my parents and my sisters is pretty cool, and they get to come and watch me play rugby which is good. And there'a lot of close mates that I’ve played rugby with since I was 15, to be able to play with them has been awesome over the last few months.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time, besides rugby?

 
I like American sport, so I watch that and play a lot of fantasy sport with my school mates. It’s been an intense week. Fantasy basketball’s on at the moment and I’m in the final. So I’ve been on my phone a lot this week - I’m not usually on my phone that much. I like a bit of golf, the usual stuff. I suppose other than that, being in Queensland, going to the beach and seeing old mates. I’m a simple guy [laughs].

Thanks Lance for taking time out to chat. All the best this weekend in Canberra, I'll be watching.

No worries, thank you for having me. I always get some good hard-hitting questions from a Hamilton.

A Conversation with Queenslander and Wallaroo Sarah Riordan

After a great win at Ballymore over the weekend, I was lucky to catch up with Queensland and Wallaroo Center Sarah Riordan. I enjoyed hearing her talk about the Super W competition and her excitement about Women's rugby in general.

Queensland's last round game of the competition is this weekend... So if you haven't been following, it's a perfect time to jump on board! They are playing the Western Force in Perth on Saturday and the game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports at 5pm Brisbane time. I'll be watching!

In the meantime, get to know one of the teams (many) stars:

Hi Sarah, thanks for taking time in the middle of a busy season to catch up. Congrats on a great win over the weekend! How did you feel about the game against Melbourne?

It was really good. It was good to get out there, get some form back within the team, get that positivity, play the game that we know that we can play and take that into the next game.

What a game by the way. 60 to nil isn't a bad score line. Well done with your 3 tries by the way!

Thanks!

You and your team are a part of Australian rugby history. How does it feel to be a part of the first ever Super W competition?

It feels really good. Its good to see where rugby has come, since I started. It’s exciting to think that this is just the start and imagining what it’s going to be like in two years, five years and then ten years. It’s just exciting for women’s rugby. It’s great to be a part of it and be able to leave a legacy behind for those to come.

What's been your favourite thing about the competition so far?

I think the publicity and exposure that the sport’s getting is really exciting. It makes you feel that people want to watch you play. It’s nice having a curtain raiser before the men… but Sunday at Ballymore was awesome - everyone was there for us. It was a really great thing. It’s getting our game out there and getting people talking about women’s rugby.

I'd like to hear about your rugby journey in particular. How many years have you played rugby?

I started playing when I was 16, so almost 10 years, a good 9 years. I started down in New South Wales, played country, played nationals a few times. Then I went overseas and played for a little bit in England, which I think developed my game. I came back two years ago and made the Aussie squad and just did my first World Cup which is great. Rugby’s done a lot for me, I’ve travelled… I’ve made the World Cup, so I’m quite happy with what I’ve achieved in this sport… and now this.

What was the thing that made you want to play rugby?

I just played because it was something different. I just gave it a go. I played league before and I liked how rugby was just so different. There’s all these one percenters that you can control, with league, you know that there’s six tackles, you know you can kick. Whereas with rugby, it’s unpredictable and it’s a contest at all times, which is what I love. You’ve got to be on your toes at all times and be able to adjust both mentally and physically. I think that’s what I like about it.

How did you end up playing in Queensland - and what's your favourite thing about playing here?

With the line of work I do, obviously I have to move around. I got posted down in Melbourne, played club rugby down there, then got posted up to Brisbane, hence why I’m here. I had a bit of a say in where I got to be posted, and I chose Brisbane because I knew, not just the talent, but also the facilities and the support that Queensland women’s rugby has up here. The competition is great, I think it’s probably a bit better than in Sydney.

And my favourite things about Queensland… just the weather! It’s nice all the time. It’s not to hot, it’s not too cold. You can get a nice tan all year round.

What would you say to any young girls interested in playing the game?

Look I definitely encourage it. My nieces are three and two, and I’m trying to get them into it. Not force them, but… You want to show young girls that it’s ok, you can play this sport and you can do everything else that you want to do. You don’t have to play in dirt and mud and play with boys to play rugby. It’s a women’s game now in Australia. But I’d definitely encourage it, and all sizes too. I say to my mates now… some of them are smaller and I say come to a game and you’d be surprised by the size of some of our girls.

It doesn’t matter how big you are on the outside, I think it’s the size of your ticker, it’s like any sport really. I’d definitely encourage them, for sure.

Do you have any other hobbies in particular besides rugby?

Um.. I don’t know if eating is a hobby [laughs]… A lot of outdoor stuff like camping, fishing, going to the beach, all that type of normal stuff really. I like to spend time with family too… I try and seperate rugby life and personal life sometimes. You need to, because it get’s a bit overloaded at times.

Thanks Sarah for your time.

That’s ok!

You're an inspiration to many rugby fans, and I'm sure (also) many young girls playing the game.

I hope so, that’s the whole point of it isn’t it.

Fellowship with the Fijians - Filipo Daugunu and Samu Kerevi

Last week, Queensland had a double-header, with the mens and women’s team playing at Suncorp Stadium. A few days earlier, we had our own double-header, interviewing Filipo Daugunu and Samu Kerevi. Filipo is still fairly new to Australia, so Samu stepped in originally to help to translate, which is awesome because spending time with him is always a treat. So I took the opportunity to ask him a question too!

It’s great to see the culture of brotherhood at Ballymore, especially while everyone works hard to move forward, in terms of training and competing.

Hi Filipo, thanks for taking the time to chat!

Hello.

How are you settling into the Reds and life at Ballymore?

It’s going really well. I’m liking it.

What are you enjoying most about being a part of the Queensland Reds?

The teamwork… the environment of the team. I used to play soccer, and now I play rugby. I’m enjoying it.

Congrats on a great win over the weekend! You must be happy with how it went...

Yeah. Thankyou. 

You used to play soccer. What inspired you to play rugby as a career?

Yeah. I used to play soccer. But I changed to rugby because I like it more. I moved over here, around one year ago to follow a career in rugby.

Have you always been a winger?

No. I always played fullback. But when I moved here, then I played winger.

Reds fans can be glad you made the move to Brisbane. What differences have you found living in Australia, compared to living in Fiji?

I moved over here by myself, all my family are over in Fiji. I’m married, I have two boys.

[Samu:] He just had his boy over the weekend!

[Filipo:] I’m going to visit them after the tour.

Also… in Fiji, we speak Fijian [laughs]. English is very hard.

One question for Samu... while you're here! As a senior player in the team, how do you feel about where the Reds are at, at the moment? You must be proud of players like Filipo stepping up.

[Samu:] Yeah. It feels like something is brewing for us. Personally, I’m happy with Filipo being here, and Eto - it reminds me of home all the time, because I left Fiji at such a young age. They carry the culture for us. It reminds me of my brothers when I go back home - so having them around is like having my older brothers or my little brother at home. I’m loving every minute we get to spend together. Queensland has a rich history of Fijians playing on the team. Chris Kuridrani’s father was one of the first players on the team. So having Filipo around has been awesome.

But in terms of the team, we’ve got a really young group, but when we get on the field, they don’t feel misplaced, they put 100% into it and it feels like they’ve played many game before.

So for me, it’s really comfortable being out there, because these players are really hungry. You’ve got younger guys like Hocko [Harry Hockings] who just made his debut over the weekend. We’ve got so many more to come. We’ve got Hamish Stewart who’s been on the team twice, but hasn’t played yet, he’s another player that’s really outstanding at training and holds himself well. So it’s an exciting time for Queensland rugby.

And Filipo... one more question. Can you tell us something about yourself that not many people may know?

[Samu:] He can dance. [both laugh]

[Filipino]: Most of them, don’t know that I can kick with both feet, both left and right. Especially because of soccer.

Thanks very much for your time. And all the best for this weekend and travelling the week after.

[Filipo:] Thank you.

[Samu:] Thanks again for having us! It’s always good to sit down Tommy and have a chat. Thanks for the questions. Awesome questions as always. It’s good to see you up and healthy.

Listening to Up-and-Comer Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea

As you hopefully know, the first ever Super W competition is kicking off this Saturday! Building on the excitement of winning the Global 10s competition several weeks ago, the Queensland Women’s XV team have been working hard to put their best foot forward this weekend (4pm Saturday, March 10th at Suncorp!)

Alysia is the youngest player in the Reds squad, but you wouldn’t know it, just looking at the way she plays rugby. She is a player to watch this season for sure. Thanks Alysia for taking time to chat this week!

Hi Alysia, There’s a lot happening for you at the moment. Nice of you to take time to catch up.

How are you finding pre-season at the moment?

I’m finding it really good. The girls are going good at the moment. We’ve just been building from each training.

What are you looking forward to most about Saturday’s game?

Just playing off the girls experience, and probably another crowd like 10s. The atmosphere!

What are you enjoying the most about playing for Queensland?

Just playing with the more experienced girls. The culture as well.

How old were you when you started playing?

I was 14 years old.

What do you think it was that drew you to play at first?

It was the contact - and the environment as well.

What are your personal goals this year?

Just to build more with the game, I’m still trying to learn more about it… To become a center (I’m a winger at the moment.) Also, I’m trying to make the Wallaroos!

Well, there are many supporters cheering you and the team on. I wish you well this season, not just in rugby, but off the field as well!

Thank you!