RUGBY ACADEMY
Rugby Academy – Building Towards the Victorian Rugby Shield
This term, our U15 Boys and Girls Rugby Union teams played two preseason matches against Narre Warren and Lara Secondary College as they continue to build towards the Victorian Rugby Shield, which kicks off on 29 July.
With many students coming from rugby league backgrounds and several experiencing rugby union for the first time, our teams have shown tremendous growth, commitment, and resilience throughout the term.
Our first preseason fixture against Narre Warren proved to be a valuable learning experience. Facing a strong and well-established academy, both teams found the challenge tough, with nerves evident early on. While the results did not go our way, the experience highlighted the level of preparation, discipline and intensity required to compete with some of the state's top rugby programs.
Determined to improve, our students travelled to Lara Secondary College last week to take on one of Victoria's premier rugby academies. The growth from our first outing was clear for all to see.
The U15 Girls produced an outstanding comeback victory after trailing early in the match. Following a positive halftime reset, the team returned with renewed confidence and energy to fight their way back into the contest. Strong performances from some of our youngest and newest players, Logan Van Dyk and Wania Sheraz, combined with the leadership and experience of academy players
Carter Nonoa and Kiarah Azzopardi, helped guide the team to a well-deserved win. Rita Faalave Mickey was also exceptional with the boot, converting crucial points throughout the match.
The U15 Boys match was equally exciting. In a physical and high-quality contest, Lara led for much of the game before our boys produced a determined final-minute effort to secure a thrilling 17–14 victory. Daniel Baggio, Zachias Loau and captain K-jay Mataafa were instrumental in keeping the team composed and competitive throughout the match. A special mention must go to Joshua Mataafa, whose powerful carries, line breaks and dominant defence made him one of the standout performers of the day.
These results were a testament to the dedication our students have shown this term. Their willingness to attend after-school training sessions, give up lunch times to develop their skills, and continually strive to improve was reflected in their performances on game day.
While there is still plenty of work to be done, the signs are extremely promising as we head towards the Victorian Rugby Shield next month. More importantly, our students continue to represent Mickleham Secondary College with pride, resilience and sportsmanship.
We would like to thank Narre Warren and Lara Secondary College for hosting us and providing valuable opportunities for our students to challenge themselves, develop their skills and gain match experience.
A special thank you also goes to Bart Oswald, Husain Badat, Villa Asolua and Stephen Clogstoun for their support and assistance in helping make these game days a success for our students.
Taiso Silafai Leaana
Rugby Co-ordinator
Mickleham Girls Shine at Rugby Victoria Academy Clinic
Girls from the Mickleham Secondary College Rugby Academy, along with students aspiring to join the program in 2027, recently attended the Academy Movement and Rugby Victoria Girls Development Day in Footscray.
Hosted across the impressive facilities of Victoria University, Footscray Rugby Union Club and Rugby Victoria's headquarters on the banks of the Maribyrnong River, the event brought together talented young female rugby players from across Victoria for a day of learning, development and competition.
The clinic was led by Rugby Victoria coaches and selectors alongside experienced coaches from Academy Movement partner schools including Lara Secondary College, Sunshine College and Melton Secondary College.
Mickleham's Rugby Coordinator and Head Rugby Union Coach, Taiso Silafai Leanna, led one of the featured coaching sessions, working with players from across all participating schools. His session focused on catch and pass skills, attacking shape and alignment, and decision-making under pressure, challenging players while further developing their understanding of the game.
Throughout the morning, students rotated through a range of specialist coaching sessions covering key aspects of rugby union including scrum body positioning, hooking, pod running, lineouts and in-game kicking skills.
Following the skills development component of the day, mixed teams were formed across Under 15 and Under 18 age groups to compete in a series of 15-a-side matches. It was during these games that the quality and development of Mickleham's players truly stood out.
Strong defensive efforts and physicality around the breakdown were on display from the opening whistle. Penny Pati crossed for a try in the Under 18 competition, while Carter Nonoa scored in the Under 15 matches. Powerful carries from Liv Fuaiva'a, Bella Faletau and Neryah Sosene consistently put their teams on the front foot and created scoring opportunities.
Cate Bantilan was outstanding throughout the day, driving her side forward with her work at the breakdown as halfback and her ability to play what was in front of her. Rita Mickey Faalave and Kavannah Leausa also impressed with their relentless defensive pressure and strong gain-line tackles. Ardith Afaaso Arthur Lata also made her mark, winning a critical turnover at the breakdown with an excellent steal that shifted momentum and highlighted her growing understanding of the game.
Most importantly, all of our students represented Mickleham Secondary College and the wider community with pride, respect and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day.
The event concluded with an open invitation for players to attend upcoming Victorian State Team trials in July. This is an exciting opportunity, particularly considering many of our students are only in their first season of rugby union. Their rapid development is a testament to their commitment, work ethic and willingness to learn, as well as the outstanding coaching and mentorship provided by Coach Taiso.
In a short period of time, Taiso has helped develop a group of young women who are now capable of competing with some of the strongest rugby players and programs in Victoria.
A special thank you to Renee Unasa, Taiso Silafai Leaana and Bart Oswald for their support on the day, assisting with coaching, supervision and capturing photos of the event.
The success of the clinic was such that Rugby Victoria and Academy Movement are already planning a second Girls Development Day later in Term 3.
Well done to all involved. The future of girls rugby at Mickleham Secondary College is incredibly bright.