FUTURE RUGBY STARS: LAMPLOUGH & SHARPE SECURE SPOTS IN THE SUNSHINE COAST SCHOOL GIRLS 7S TEAM
After standout performances throughout the 2024/25 season, Luca Lamplough and Mackenzie Sharpe have earned their place in the highly competitive Sunhshine Coast School Girls Rugby 7s team.
With a quickly evolving pool of talent across the state, this feat is nothing short of incredible, as both the girls have showed unwavering dedication to mastering their craft, “There is a lot of talent across Queensland in rugby 7s and you can tell everyone wants to be selected and works just as hard as I do” says Luca.
Growing up on the Sunshine Coast, both have been exposed to the sport from a young age. As a Nambour Toads Rugby member, Mackenzie feels grateful for the mentors she has had at a club and representative level, “My coaches and teammates keep me motivated through their experience and support, as my rugby has developed, the rugby community has helped open up so many opportunities.”
Luca attributes the growth of women’s rugby 7’s to the support from the local community, “The rugby community on the Sunshine Coast is extremely supportive, especially of girls' rugby, allowing it to really thrive and progressively get bigger every year” says the Brothers Rugby Club member.
Navigating demanding training schedules, schooling deadlines and unexpected injuries, both girls have had their fair share of hurdles to overcome.
After suffering two major injuries in 2023, Mackenzie was sidelines for 5 months, undertaking extensive rehab while watching her peers trial for the team, “Dealing with the disappointment of missing this was tough, but made me realise how much my rugby goals meant to me.” The 16 year old has fought hard to earn her spot in the 2025 regional school girls team and is using her injury experience to fuel her love for the game and desire to continuously improve, “Making this team following injuries... made me realised why it is really important to never give up... hard work and determination will always pay off.”
Learning the importance of a healthy work-life balance from a young age has been crucial for Luca to ensure that she can bring her best in every aspect of life, “Training 5-6 times a week and staying up to date with my schoolwork was challenging and led to feeling burnt out... unmotivated and tired. I slowly learnt how to balance school and health with my training.” Showing determination and maturity beyond her years, Luca is now thriving on and off the field and is more motivated than ever, consistently working towards her goals, “My goal for the future is to keep pushing myself and excelling in my rugby.” says the 16-year-old.
Alongside their regular weekly training across the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, Luca and Mackenzie, as members of the regional School Girls Rugby 7’s team, will now take part in a specialized training camp to prepare for state competition with goals of securing spots in the Queensland State team. With their unwavering resilience and passion, we have no doubt these rising stars will seize every opportunity and continue to excel, while proudly representing the Sunny Coast!
Follow @sunshinecoastsports @mackenzie_sharpe and @luca_lamplough @ausschoolsrugby to stay up to date.
