Three-time Olympian Charnis Smalle has hinted at a “crossover” to the 15-a-side event after Australia’s women’s sevens team suffered a crushing 12-14 defeat to the United States in the bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics.
Earlier this month, Smale announced via social media that he would be retiring from international rugby sevens after the Olympics. The 2016 Rio gold medallist is one of the sport’s all-time greats, but all good things must come to an end.
Small, 36, looked set to join retired teammate Dominique du Toit at the top of the sport as an Olympic champion. Australia appeared to be on track to secure their gold medal hopes with four wins.
Australia beat South Africa, England and Ireland twice to reach the semi-finals, where they will face juggernaut Canada, who beat home favourites France in a thriller the night before.
But in one of the most famous upsets of all time, Canada stunned Australia 21-12. Australia lost 14-12 to the United States in the bronze medal playoff, ending Small’s sevens career, but it won’t be the last time we see her win gold.
“I know that when I see this little country kid from a village of 1,500 people standing on a world stage and showing his true self and being able to do that because of sport, I know he will be so proud,” Smale said. Stan Sports Olympic Daily.
“I am truly grateful to the sport and am ready to give back to the sport. The sport has given me so much.
“There might be a little bit of crossover into the 15s,” she added. “But right now, it’s about giving back to my family and the sacrifices they’ve made.
“After 12 years on the road, it’s one of the best jobs in the world… You get to be away from your family and really see and appreciate them. You also get to spend plenty of time with your wife and kids.”
that much Stan Sports The broadcast returned to the studio, with former Wallabies players Morgan Turinui and Michael Hooper both speaking.
Turinui has revealed that Smale could feature at next year’s Rugby World Cup in England, while fans should also be “looking forward” to seeing sevens captain Charlotte Caslick and sister Levi make the switch.
Madison Levy made history at the Paris Olympics by scoring the most tries by a female player at the Olympics, while Teagan has also been at the forefront of the competitive heavyweights as a playmaker. Together with Castlek, they could help transform the Wallaroos.
But in the end, it all comes back to Smalle.
It is not yet confirmed whether the rugby veteran will play in next year’s World Cup, but it seems likely, but for now, it is time to appreciate her outstanding sevens career. With SVNS Series, Commonwealth Games and Rugby Sevens World Cup titles to her name, she is one of the greats.
What’s truly unfortunate is that it had to end in such a heartbreaking situation.
The United States’ Alex Cedric went coast-to-coast to tie the score with time running out in the bronze medal game. The United States converted ahead to secure its first women’s rugby sevens medal at the Olympics.
“It’s hard to put into words. I was numb after the last game and this time I’m really emotional. It’s my last game in the Australian Sevens,” Small recalled.
“It’s pretty disappointing, but I’m really proud of the girls. Our goal was to get to the gold medal game, we didn’t get there, but we bounced back. That’s the sport of sevens, it’s a roller coaster and we definitely came out fighting.
“Of course, it’s not our day.”
