Rugby Union: Rhiannon Byers named in Australian women's sevens side for France tournament

Now the former Highlander is preparing to make her debut for the Australian women's sevens side.

Byers has been named in the squad for next weekend's final round of the HSBC Women's Sevens World Series in Biarritz, France.

She is one of two changes to the squad with Dom Du Toit returning from injury.

After impressing selectors with her performances for the University of New England in the Aon University Sevens Series, Byers was selected in a development Australian side that won the Oceania Sevens Championship in a tough final against New Zealand last year.

She was following that called into training with the Aussie 7s and was recently rewarded with a full-time contract in the program.

Reflecting on her progression to the national fold, Byers last month said she was hoping to get the opportunity to play in the Biarritz tournament.

Speaking about Byers' selection in the squad for France, Australian women's sevens head coach John Manenti said: "Since joining the program, Rhiannon has thrown herself into everything we've asked of her and is continuing to grow as a player."

Australia will meet Ireland, Spain and Canada in Pool B.

They currently sit fourth on the World Series Standings on 74 points, trailing Canada (78), the USA (80) and New Zealand (92).

Tournament hosts France are 14 points behind the Aussies in fifth with the top four sides at the end of the round earning automatic qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

"The squad has prepared really well for the final round of the series and we're very focused on getting the job done to earn qualification," Manenti said.

"There are no easy games in Sevens; Ireland, Spain and Canada will be a very tough pool, but the squad is looking forward to getting back to France and finishing the job on what has been a tough Series."

The Aussies are set to face Ireland and Spain on the Saturday (June 15) and Canada on Sunday.