Maddie Levi: Eyeing Rugby World Cup Glory Amid 7s Success

Australian 7s sensation Maddison Levi has her sights set on representing her country in the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England. Fresh off an exceptional start to the season, including being named the Women’s World 7s Player of the Year, Levi’s trajectory in rugby shows no signs of slowing.

World 7s Player of the Year Triumph

Levi’s recognition as the top female player in the world came at a prestigious ceremony in Monaco in November.

“To be honest, I was shocked,” Levi admitted. “I was up against incredible players like Michaela Blyde and Jorja Miller, who push me to be better. Women’s rugby is growing so much, and to be recognized like this is surreal.”

Record-Breaking Performance in Dubai

The first leg of the HSBC 7s circuit in Dubai showcased Levi’s dominance, where she scored a staggering 15 tries—the most ever in a single tournament.

“I’m over the moon with this achievement,” she said. “It’s all thanks to my teammates; without them, I wouldn’t be the player I am. It’s exciting to show what we’ve been working on as a team.”

Cape Town 7s Reflections

While Australia fell short of reaching the final, losing to the USA in the Cup Semi-Final, Levi emphasized the team’s resilience and development.

“Being down 17-0 and almost winning shows the courage and guts we have for each other,” she said. “It’s a development year for us with debutants and new players, so it’s all about building cohesion. We learn the most from games like that.”

Levi also expressed her love for Cape Town, calling it a “special place.”

“It’s kind of like another home tournament. I spoke to Siya [Kolisi], and he talked about how much South Africans rally around their teams. The energy and atmosphere here are unmatched.”

Future Ambitions: 15s and Dual-Code Dreams

Levi hinted at a potential switch to 15s rugby, with aspirations to play in next year’s Rugby World Cup while keeping her options open for Rugby League in the future.

“It’s just a rumor for now,” Levi said about a potential code switch. “But it’s exciting to see the growth in women’s rugby. Transitioning our skills from the professional 7s program to the World Cup would be incredible. My eyes are on the World Cup first, then maybe League down the line.”

Tackling Financial Challenges in Women’s Rugby

Levi acknowledged the financial struggles faced by many female athletes, despite her own fortunate position within Australia’s full-time 7s program.

“We’re pretty lucky to be paid well in our program, but I know other countries don’t have the same setup,” she said.

Levi’s remarkable journey, on and off the field, exemplifies the growth and potential of women’s rugby. As she eyes new challenges and continues to break records, she remains a role model for aspiring players and a key figure in elevating the sport globally.