Sammie was selected along with five of her fellow Brumbies teammates to join in the extended training squad for the Aussie side and will take part in satellite training programs around the country in preparation for national duties.

The Grenfell Record caught up with Sammie at Turner Oval in the ACT last Saturday, May 5, where she was busy preparing for a game later that afternoon.

When asked how she felt when she found out she had been named in the squad Sammie said she never imagined in her wildest dreams that she would be afforded this terrific opportunity.

“I never would have anticipated something like this would happen, I think the establishment of the Super W competition is a great indication of how far that women in rugby have come,” said Sammie.

“I had a lot of family and friends suggest I play footy but I was so focused on soccer and thought soccer was my one time sport but now I have just had a whole new door open up so I’m pretty happy about that.” 

Sammie, a talented athlete,  began playing rugby in Grenfell during primary school as her father, brother and sister played so she decided to give it a try, but ever since it’s been on and off as she was so dominant in soccer, having represented the Australian Junior Matildas.

Sammie also enjoys coaching and mentoring children and has assisted with the Come Try Tackle program with the Brumbies as well as travelling to Cootamundra working with VIVA girls teams, she also works part time as a school teacher while completing a degree in teaching.

Her best advice for young kids is to give everything they can a go, you don’t have to be an academic genius to be a successful athlete, a good balance in life is essential, try to stay calm and focused but don’t take things too seriously.