Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) has today announced Lori Cramer as the St.George Queensland Reds captain for the 2020 Buildcorp Super W season.
The 26-year-old will become the third player to captain the side in the Super W competition, as she enters her third straight season with squad.
A former soccer player, Cramer first took up Rugby in 2015 at the University of Queensland, and represented Queensland at the National Women’s XV Championships prior to the inception of Super W.
After playing on the wing in the first season of Super W in 2018, Cramer cemented herself as the team’s first-choice fullback in 2019 and gained valuable leadership experience as vice-captain.
She then went on to make her international debut for the Wallaroos last year, starring on the Test stage against both Japan and New Zealand.
“To be selected to captain your state is a real honour,” said Cramer.
“Having been part of this program now since the beginning in 2018, it’s really special to be named captain of a group that has a great mix of experience and exciting new talent heading into 2020.
“I’m lucky to have a number of girls who have plenty of leadership experience within the squad to work with throughout the season. Some of the senior players in the team I’ve come through the ranks looking up to, so I’m lucky to pull on the Queensland jersey with them.
“I’m really looking forward to our 2020 Super W campaign. With more Test matches around the corner, the Tokyo Olympics coming up and the World Cup next year, it’s an exciting time to be a Women’s Rugby player.”
Whilst her XVs career continues to reach new heights each year, Cramer is also well versed in the short format of the game, leading the University of Queensland to their second AON University Sevens title in 2019, whilst also having played overseas in Japan.
Away from Rugby, Cramer juggles her playing career whilst working as a concreter to support her passion.
Queensland head coach Moana Virtue said: “Lori brings plenty of experience to the squad and she has shown great decision-making ability on the field.
“Off the field she has a bubbly personality and people gravitate towards her. She is always helping out and sets a great example for the rest of the squad and future generations.
“She is a great ambassador for Queensland Rugby and is deserving of this opportunity.”
While Round 1 of the Super W competition kicks off this weekend, the Queensland team will utilise their scheduled bye to host the Fijian National Women’s XV side at Ballymore on Sunday, 16 February, in a pre-season fixture. The match will kick-off at 3:00pm and entry for the match will be a gold coin donation, with funds raised going towards the Queensland Women’s Rugby program.
The Reds will play their first 2020 Super W fixture against the Rugby WA Women in Perth next weekend.
