Gold Coast 2018 silver medallists Demi Hayes and Charlotte Caslick have been appointed co-captains of the Australian Women’s Sevens side as the team sets sights on the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Gold Coast 2018 silver medallist Demi Hayes was elevated to the role at the start of the 2021-22 World Series, taking over from Shannon Parry and Sharni Williams.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time leading the team post-Tokyo, but I’m looking forward to sharing the responsibilities of the captaincy with Charlotte [Caslick] as well as Sharni and Maddie. To have the leadership support and experience of Charlotte by my side is really nice,” Hayes said in a statement.

“To be able to lead your team is nothing that should ever be assumed or taken for granted, and I know having the support of the team will only make me a better, more accountable captain.

“As a group, we’re representative of all members of the squad, and this will only make us stronger and more unified as a team.

“We know from experience that the closer we are as a team, the better we perform on the World Series, so I’m excited to see how our new group will succeed in the upcoming tournaments for this season.”

“I’m excited by this opportunity to lead the girls on the field and support Demi as we continue to write a new chapter for our team,” Caslick believes.

“To play for your country is an honour, but to have the added responsibilities of captaincy is something which I will cherish and a role I won’t take for granted.

“Having been involved in the program for close to ten years, I hope to bring my experiences as a player to this role and provide an extra level of experience as we continue to build towards both the World Series and Commonwealth Games.”

Both Caslick and Hayes are aided by Williams, who remains as a senior leader of the team, with rising star Madison Ashby rounding out the team as vice-captain.

“I’ve been impressed with this group of players, and I know they’ll all make strong leaders within the squad,” Walsh added.

“Every one of them has been selected as they represent the entire playing group, making us more unified both on and off the field.

“Each leader has specific strength which they will use to help guide the team, complementing each other as we all work towards our goals both on and off the field.

“I’d like to congratulate all of them on their appointments and look forward to continuing to work closely with them as we strive to be the best program in the country.”

With thanks Rugby Australia.