Queensland Women in Rugby: The First Two Years 1996-1997

Australian women in team sports are amongst world leaders in many categories, excelling in Field Hockey, Netball, both Rugby codes, all three variations of Cricket, Water Polo and Soccer to mention a few, while not forgetting their great achievements in individual sports.

For such a small population all Australians can feel extremely proud of our 'Women in Sports' on every level. To reach the ultimate at representative level in team sports, those who have participated know only too well the work, training, coordination and dedication endured to reach the ultimate in their designated sport. They can stand tall knowing they have conquered all and can proudly state, 'We have achieved as a part of a team to surpass all opposition in a manner that is perhaps unparalleled in Australia if not at a world level'.

This was the Queensland Women's Rugby Union team in 1996 and 1997.

Their story deserves to be told as it is one of Queensland's if not Australia's most successful representative sporting team during this era. As in the past their record has never been acknowledged of their outstanding achievements. Here is Queensland - Women in Rugby. The First Two Years 1996-1997.

Tasi forged a successful playing and coaching career for more than forty years in both the military and civilian rugby environments. With this foundation he was invited by the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) to select and coach the inaugural Queensland Women's Rugby team for 1996 through to 1998.From the very beginning the team excelled and could claim to be the best provincial team in world rugby. They did not lose a game and were the first Australian team to defeat an International side, which was second in the world rankings.He was fortunate to have at his disposal a team of Queenslanders; athletic with outstanding skills and a steely professional attitude, who were equal to anyone representing their state. Their results may never be realised in Australian women's rugby again.Tasi was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in the year 2000 (struck to commemorate the new millennium) for his dedication and achievements in rugby.