Rugby Union: Australian women's rugby sevens team to visit North West

In what will be a homecoming for squad member and former Warialda High, Inverell Highlanders and Central North star Rhiannon Byers, the squad of 20 plus coaching staff will experience a 'heat week' of training in the region.

Arriving on Monday, their stay will include two field sessions at Bingara as well as gym sessions and a visit to the local school to run coaching clinics.

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On Wednesday they will get a true taste for the community with activities like horse riding, a visit to the salt caves and gold panning, following which they will conduct a coaching clinic at Warialda High School

For Byers that was where it all started.

She was scouted to play for NSW youth before going on to play for the NSW women's team, which then saw her selected for UNE in the AON Uni 7s Series. From there she was picked up by the Australian coaches and contracted with the Rio Olympic gold-winning side.

"It's great for Rhiannon to be able to come home and show the country girls that are playing rugby here, that with determination and drive, you can make it to national level and play for your country," her mother, Katreana said.

The coaching clinic will run from 1-3pm and is open to all girls interested in playing rugby to join.

From there the girls will head to Moree where they will do an open gym session at the PCYC from 4.30-5.30pm. Manager Tayla Macey is excited to have Byers, whom was employed there, return with her team and use the facilities.

The team will then enjoy the relaxing therapy of our local hot pools, where Mayor Katrina Humphries will welcome them to the shire.

The next stop will be a trip to Byers' home town of Pallamallawa where the players will do a meet and greet at the Pally Pub. Then it will be on to Byers' home where they will enjoy local foods and a camp oven before heading back to Bingara for the next day of training.

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