A Rugby World Cup Sevens champion with Australia in Dubai back in 2009, Rebecca Tavo was named captain of the Australian Women's Sevens team for the 2011/12 season and will lead the charge this season.
A dual international, Tavo has represented Australia in both Rugby Sevens and Touch Football, winning a World Cup in both codes.
A train driver in Port Hedland by trade, she has been a stalwart of the Australian Sevens side over the last four years.
Among the other players 'on tour', Tavo cites England’s Joanne Watmore as being the toughest player she's played against in the past year. "She really showed up in the big games and made big plays when it counted," she said. "I also have to give a mention to the USA fly half Bui Baravilala, she came into their team mid way through the season last year and really made a difference to the way they played."
Video: Meet Rebecca Tavo
Q. What was your first rugby experience?
A. Watching David Campese play for the Wallabies on TV. When I was in Fiji on family holidays we always used to watch the Rugby Sevens. Especially Fiji vs Samoa and Tonga!
Q. And your first match?
A. My first Rugby Sevens match for Australia was against Fiji at the Oceania Championships in Samoa in 2009. It was a good game, we won 21-7. They were fast, skillful and strong just like their men’s team.
Q. When did you know that rugby was what you wanted to do?
A. I have always loved Rugby Sevens. As soon as I heard there was an Australian team, I knew that’s what I wanted to do!
Q. What do you like to eat before a match?
A. I have a BIG Breakfast on game day! I know I will need the energy plus more. It’s usually five Weetbix, milk and honey, 2 poached eggs and baked beans on toast, water and fruit. I will also have water, Gatorade and muesli bars and bananas between games to re-fuel.
Q. Which part of training do you dread the most?
A. None. I am glad for every opportunity to get better.
Q. What do you like doing outside of Rugby?
A. Bits of everything. Hanging with my family and friends. Going out for breakfast and dinners at nice places. Travelling around the world. Listening to music. Boxing. Surfing.
Q. Who are your sporting idols?
A. Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, Cathy Freeman was a big one, also Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao.
Q. What is your favourite sporting memory?
A. Winning the Rugby Sevens World Cup in Dubai 2009.
Q. What are you most looking forward to on this year's Series?
A. Playing in the USA, China and Netherlands, and also Russia at next year’s Rugby World Cup Sevens.
Q. Who do you think is going to win the first IRB Women's Sevens World Series?
A. Australia.
