09/02/2025
Shalom Sauaso is unquestionably one of Australia's most talented and accomplished young athletes and cross-code rugby players.
This interview with the Australian Schoolgirls Sevens captain was held in Auckland on the eve of the teams participating in the Global Youth Sevens tournament.
Even though Shalom has been representing at the highest level of senior rugby union and league, she was honoured to lead the schoolgirls on this unique occasion, being the Australian Schoolgirls first ever overseas tour.
A student at Ipswich State High School in Queensland, 17 years of age, Sauaso has achieved more in the last two years than most athletes do in a lifetime, as the following highlights attest.
Having watched Shalom play and develop over the last three years and getting to know the 'person', frequently referred to as a 'prodigy' by the news media, it has becomes evident that her journey is just beginning. She cares deeply, she possesses the necessary personal grit and determination, and her head squarely screwed on straight.
Having signed a professional contract with the Broncos ARLW team on her 17th birthday, rugby may have lost her temporarily, but she has not lost her love of rugby.
Who knows what lies ahead? With the Los Angeles and Brisbane Olympic Games beckoning in 2028 and 2032, the chance to perform on the world's biggest stage still beckons, representing Australia or Somoa.
• Queensland Schoolgirls Sevens 2022, 2023, 2024
• Australian Schoolgirls Sevens 2023, 2024 (Captain ’24)
• Australian Schoolgirls Rugby League 2023, 2024
• Australian U18 Sevens 2023
• Queensland Reds 2024, 2025
• Wallaroos Squad 2024
• Broncos NRLW 2024, 2025
• Best Player, Global Youth Sevens 2023, Gold Coast & Auckland
• Winner, Global Youth Sevens, Australian Schoolgirls – Gold Coast 2023
• Winner, Global Youth Sevens, Australian U18 Girls – Auckland 2023
• Ipswich State High School
• Samoan heritage
• Age: 17 (as time of interview)
Australian Schools Rugby NSW Junior Rugby Union Queensland Representative School Sport 11-18yrs Rugby Union Rugby Australia Rugby Union South Australia Rugby Victoria Global Youth Sevens Australia Sevens Australian Raptors Rugby Academy Gilbert Rugby AUS/NZ Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Brisbane Broncos Olympics
Rachel Wright Images The Ipswich State High School Olympics FIJI RUGBY LANDSCAPE Fiji Association of Sport & National Olympic Committee Queensland Rugby News Rugby News Australian Rugby Community WTF is with Australian Rugby? Charlotte Caslick Ilona Maher Ilona Maher USA Rugby Fans
