Wallaroo-in-waiting Caitlin Urwin is donning the distinctive pyjama kit of the University of Queensland to rip into the ECP Gold Coast 7s at Bond University this weekend.
Frantic, all-action weekends at sevens tournaments is the consistent play that the pacy Queensland Reds winger revels in after the mixed emotions of her Rugby World Cup experience in England.
Selection for the tournament was the highlight of her career yet going on tour for five weeks without playing a minute was a curveball she had to handle mentally.
"It's always tricky when you go away and not get any minutes but the whole World Cup trip was a really cool experience and I was privileged to be there," Urwin said.
"I stayed on in Europe and went to the World Cup final at Twickenham. A sellout of 82,000 fans...it was just amazing to see so many watching and appreciating how big women's rugby can be.
"The growth from the World Cup in New Zealand in 2022 to England in 2025 was huge. We are only at the start heading to the 2029 women's World Cup in Australia. More growth would be insane."
Urwin loves her sevens. She slipped back in for the recent Byron Bay 7s which was the perfect tune-up for UQ's win at the BrisVegas 7s last weekend at Wests Rugby Club in the opening leg of the Caslick Cup.
"That was out first sevens tournament win in three or four years. It was great to get and fun to be out there playing," Urwin said.
"We love playing in the pyjamas. It's a real sevens feel."
Urwin is talking about the club's sevens wardrobe...a maroon and blue zigzag jersey-and-shorts design that looks like a mash-up of the David Jones' houndstooth logo and an early concept design for a Marvel superhero outfit.
Urwin gave kudos to speedy Melita Hicks for her impact on the BrisVegas 7s, notably her hat-trick of tries in the 22-10 win over GPS in the final.
"Melita tore it up. Taleah Ackland and Ella Ryan were also both just back from the development camp with the Aussie sevens girls in Toowoomba," Urwin said.
Calling the shots is a familiar face with her arm-waving, jumping about and loud instructions. Wallaroo and 2025 Reds halfback Nat Wright is turning her hand to coaching during this series of sevens tournaments.
"Nat's energy never stops. I'm sure she sometimes thinks she's a player on the sidelines," Urwin laughed.
"She has a really good sevens background and knowledge."
The Wests men won the first leg of the three tournaments for the Stannard Shield and will be among the favourites again on the Gold Coast.
