Sport
23 November, 2025
Mia’s Back in Green and Gold
Local rugby talent Mia Byrnes has been named in the Australian Schoolgirls Sevens squad for the upcoming 2025 Global Youth 7s tournament, to be held at Dilworth School in Auckland from December 19–21.
Mia, a former Texas P-10 State School student and now in Year 12 at The Glennie School in Toowoomba, is one of four players returning to the national side. Her selection follows an impressive year that included being awarded Junior Sports Star of the Year at the Goondiwindi Regional Council Australia Day Awards in January.
The Global Youth 7s has grown since it began in 2016 into one of the world’s leading under-18 rugby sevens tournaments. It regularly features national teams from rugby strongholds such as Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Canada, Samoa and Wales, along with a range of representative and composite sides. Designed to provide a professional-level environment, the tournament has become a critical development pathway for players aiming for senior Sevens programs.
The Australian Schoolgirls have a strong history at the event, claiming the title on debut in 2023. In 2025, coach Luke Zeremes leads a squad combining emerging talent with valuable returning experience.
Australian Schools Rugby Union Executive Sarah Ridgewell said this year’s selections highlighted the rapid growth of schoolgirls’ Sevens across Australia.
“This year’s selection process was incredibly competitive,” Ridgewell said. “We’ve assembled a squad that balances experience with emerging talent, and these student athletes have shown tremendous commitment to earning their places.”
For the Texas region Mia’s inclusion provides another proud milestone — showcasing a local athlete who has worked hard to achieve a dream. Congratulations Mia.
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