Brown eyes sevens heaven in Tokyo
MERMAID Waters junior Lauren Brown is set for a massive rugby sevens campaign she hopes will culminate with an Olympics berth at Tokyo 2020.
The Bond University utility has returned to the Gold Coast from a national squad camp in Sydney and is ready for the first round of the AON Uni 7s this weekend.
The 24-year-old is looking for a big start to the competition before hopefully flying out with the Australian women’s sevens team to Colorado in the US for the opening leg of the World Series next month
“It’s exciting that the third season of the AON 7s is about to start because the previous two years have been really successful,” Brown said.
“A lot of girls have been identified from this series with development contracts into the Australian squad, so there are so many opportunities that this series presents.
“It’s where I got my chance with the Aussie squad, after the first season, so it really does give the girls something to strive for.”
Brown has now established herself in the Australian squad after moving to Sydney last year but her immediate focus is on the opening clash between Bond University and Griffith.
Bond has been boosted by the inclusion of Brown and fellow Australian sevens representative Cobie-Jane Morgan, while Wallaroo Kirby Sefo and breakout stars Emily Bass and Stephanie Rutherford should ensure the Bull Sharks are formidable in this year’s AON series.
“Tokyo is mentally there, because (the Olympics) is something I’ve always dreamed of going to and representing Australia. It is the epitome of sport,” Brown said. “It is on my mind, but I need to play some consistent footy to make that top 12 to play in the world series, so that is what I have to aim for.
“The first game against Griffith is our focus. It’s great to have the rivalry and it brings out the best in competition.
“The girls have been working very hard over the last few months.”
Bond University will kick off the first round of the AON Uni 7s against Griffith University on Saturday at the University of Queensland.