Jack Henry and Indiahna Frawley, two exceptional UQ student-athletes, embarked on a memorable journey as they represented Australia for the first time on the international stage at the 2024 FISU World University Championships Rugby Sevens.
FISU (International University Sports Federation) competitions offer university students from across the globe the opportunity to compete for their nation in high-performance sports. Jack and Indiahna were selected to represent Australia in the aptly named “UniRoos” team for the Rugby Sevens championships hosted in France.
Jack is a UQ Sports Achievement Scholarship recipient for 2024 and is heavily involved in the UQ Rugby Football Club.
Participating in such a high-calibre competition was a significant milestone in Jack’s sporting career.
“The atmosphere was very elite, and the stadium was awesome. This is one of the highest levels I’ve competed at because the other nations had players who are reserves for their national teams.” Jack said.
The men’s team finished 5th in the championship, while the women’s team finished 4th.
Indiahna enjoyed her sporting experience on and off the pitch with this tournament giving her an excuse for a holiday in her semester break.
“This was my first time in France and the competition being set in Aix En Provence in the South was a bonus. My favourite part was meeting people from all around the world and learning about their cultures and rugby journey.”
“Representing Australia and playing in France with my mates is definitely an experience I would recommend to any UQ athletes.“
Jack and Indiahna are both part of the UQ Sport Elite Athlete Program, which helps them navigate their academic and sporting plights.
Toby Nolan is the program’s Elite Athlete Program Officer and supports elite student-athletes like Jack and Indiahna on their journey.
“I’m pleased that they have earned the chance to represent Australia on the International stage, as every athlete dreams of this. It is always a pleasure to work with athletes like Jack and Indiahna who are motivated to smash their goals on and off the field.”
“The unique opportunity that the FISU competitions present to our student-athletes is a fantastic chance for them to immerse in new cultures, make lifelong friends and display their skills to a wider audience on the world stage.”
Another Elite Athlete Program participant, Hannah Kenway, competed in rowing for the “UniRoos” at the 2024 FISU WUC Rowing Championship in the Netherlands.
“This was my first-time representing Australia and competing against international crews overseas. I’m thrilled to take this step in my rowing journey and race on the global stage.” Hannah said.
Learn more about upcoming FISU events or our UQ Sport Elite Athlete Program.