The ADF Rugby Union women's side is looking at a bright future after its development squad held its own at the 2023 Australian Rugby Union Shield.
The team headed to Brisbane on September 16 for its final training camp ahead of the tournament, which began on September 25 at the National Rugby Training Centre, Ballymore.
Team captain Corporal Sarah Riordan said, for a group that had just started playing together, the team did well against established teams and talent, placing sixth overall.
"In terms of professionalism, it exposed our girls to a higher level, which a lot of them haven't competed in before," Corporal Riordan said.
"The grittiness of our jobs and that 'never give up' fighting effort we displayed showed that we are probably a lot more conditioned than the civilian teams."
The current ACT Brumbies inside centre and former Wallaroo said she hoped her high-level experience would help motivate the new players.
"Our first game against ACT and Southern NSW had a few Brumbies girls in there that also played the Super W this year," Corporal Riordan said.
"For us to have our first game against a talented team and lose by one try was a good effort."
Team manager Petty Officer Christine Huggart said most of the side's experienced players were deployed, so the development squad had to step up.
She said the pre-tournament training camp was important to start a bonding process.
"As the girls got to know each other, it really felt like a family," Petty Officer Huggart said.
"Game time and training together outside the tournament isn't enough compared to well-seasoned players from the other states, who already have this established.
"I feel like we can only go up from here."
With the Defence Force Rugby World Cup in 2025 to be held in the UK, Petty Officer Huggart said the future of ADF rugby was in good hands.
"All these girls were here to put themselves on the radar for the squad selection next year," she said.
Exchange officer from the RAF Squadron Leader Sophie Gale, in her second year playing rugby for the ADF, said the amount of talent involved made the shield exciting.
The fly-half, who played in the UK, said she was looking forward to the world cup in 2025, where she will come up against her home country.
"I have allegiances to both sides but I'm keen to represent the ADF," she said.
"It will be a close contest - I know each side quite well and they are both strong. I hope we can bring back the trophy."
