Australian women's sevens star Ellia Green says it is an understatement to say she is excited to play on Australia Day at next year's revamped Sydney Sevens tournament and she has backed the idea of BYO barbecues for the day.
The Australian Rugby Union has worked hard behind the scenes to make next year's Sydney leg of the World Series a three-day festival, with men and women competing across Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Australia Day falls on the first day of competition, which is a major win for organisers given it will be a public holiday and rugby fans won't have to front up for work.
Last year the ARU was criticised for scheduling women's matches outside the main arena of Allianz Stadium, however this was done because of "commercial arrangements" and the fact men's games had to be played on the main field.
Green applauded the ARU for organising what could be the best instalment of the Sydney Sevens yet.
"The girls are stoked," he said. "Just to have the great vibes of the stadium from the men for our finals is just the icing on the cake. We're really stoked, given how hard the ARU worked to give us this opportunity to stage our skills in front of our home crowd.
"Exciting is an understatement. We all know Australians love sport, and for them to be here to help celebrate rugby sevens and the history of women's sport too on Australia Day is awesome. I'd be all for a BYO barbecue. Anything to show your Aussie spirit and bring it into the crowd."
Asked what she would usually be doing on Australia Day, Green replied: "Usually I'm just with my friends. Usually the team does something like a barbecue. Get the cricket sticks out. Usually sitting on a beach."
Green said she was a fan of the three-day schedule because it was easier on the body than fronting up for six matches in two days.
"To have it over three days, it was a great set-up for us at the Olympic Games," she said. "We really enjoy playing the two games on both days. From personal experience the physical demand playing three and three in a tournament is quite tough, but it's what we're used to. To have that extra day and only two games is definitely a bonus for most teams."
The 24-year-old is hopeful she can return for the Sydney Sevens after undergoing an ACL reconstruction, saying: "It's giving me a lot of motivation to get back full strength because what better tournament to return to than the Sydney Sevens."
Men's captain Lewis Holland has also thrown his support behind the new format.
"Usually the Friday has been a bit shaky because people are at work, but there's no real excuse now," Holland said. "Hopefully the sun is shining and the beers are cold."
2018 Sydney 7s dates
Friday, January 26 (Australia Day)
Saturday, January 27
Sunday, January 28 (finals)
