Inspiring Nambour skipper makes Reds squad
Megan Prinsloo, 21, in action for Nambour’s premiership-winning open women’s team. Now she’s hoping to make the cut for the Reds Super W team in 2023.
Inspiring Nambour Rugby Union women’s grand final winning captain Megan Prinsloo (pictured above) has taken a another step towards her professional dream after being invited to train with the 2023 Queensland Reds Super W squad in Brisbane.
The 21-year-old flanker’s selection continues her progression through the rugby ranks which included making the Sunshine Coast Stingrays, South Queensland and Queensland Country Orchids sides in 2022.
“So at the moment it’s just training with the squad and seeing if I’ve got what it takes to make the Reds’ actual team,” Megan said last week. “Then, late January, 11 or 12 girls are getting dropped to bring the squad back to 30. And then our season starts.”
Megan said she was enjoying training and hoped to make the cut.
“It literally started off with a bang from day one it was full on. We did some fitness testing, every Monday and Wednesday we’re out on the field for about an hour, hour and a half. And then we hit the gym for around the same time.
“So yeah, it’s very full on, but they definitely push us to our limits, which is really nice. I like to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself.
“This has been a dream of mine and it’s finally coming true. So I’m working really hard to not be dropped out of the squad.
“In February/March we’re going to start our trial games. That will be against one another. And then we start playing Super W.”
If Megan makes the team she will take on Melbourne Rebels on March 25 at AAMI Park before the first home game on March 31 versus Western Force. The Super W competition also includes Fijian Drua, New South Wales and ACT Brumbies.
“This whole journey, making this squad, wouldn’t have been possible without Luke and Jess (Nambour Coach Luke Zeremes and Jess Flood) and all the girls who’ve been supporting me and just dragging me through tough games and hyping me up for the contest,” Megan said. “So honestly, all credit goes to them because without them I would not be here today.”
Nambour Senior Women’s Coach Luke Zeremes said Megan was the only Coast player to make the Super W squad. “It is not only fantastic for our club but also for the Sunshine Coast Rugby community,” he said. “It really does highlight that pathways are available for local female players. We have seen Megs progress through the entire pathway: from club, to Stingrays, then to South Queensland, and then Queensland Country where she was identified by the Reds coaching staff.
“She truly is a unique player in the way she can play so physically but also so skillfully and she is still only discovering her true potential. I know she has the drive and determination to make it and we are so excited to watch her journey unfold.”