Australian rugby taking ‘enormous steps’ into the future

By George Ramsay and Alex Thomas, CNN
Updated 12:11 PM EST, Tue February 13, 2018
CNN World Rugby
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Australia celebrate victory after defeating New Zealand in the Women's Final match during day three of the 2018 Sydney Sevens at Allianz Stadium on January 28, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Australia celebrate victory after defeating New Zealand in the Women's Final match during day three of the 2018 Sydney Sevens at Allianz Stadium on January 28, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Matt King/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Now playing
03:10
Sydney Sevens: Growth in the women's game
England's coach Eddie Jones attends an England team training session at The Lensbury in Teddington, south west London on February 20, 2021, ahead of the Six Nations rugby union match between England and Wales on February 27. (Photo by Adam Davy / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
England's coach Eddie Jones attends an England team training session at The Lensbury in Teddington, south west London on February 20, 2021, ahead of the Six Nations rugby union match between England and Wales on February 27. (Photo by Adam Davy / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
ADAM DAVY/AFP/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Now playing
03:32
Eddie Jones: 'If I didn't get anxious, I'd give away coaching'
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 02: Siya Kolisi of South Africa shares a laugh with his children during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final between England and South Africa at International Stadium Yokohama on November 02, 2019 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 02: Siya Kolisi of South Africa shares a laugh with his children during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final between England and South Africa at International Stadium Yokohama on November 02, 2019 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Now playing
04:11
Time Out: Siya Kolisi donates supplies to townships in the pandemic
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Eddie Jones, Head Coach of England looks on prior to the Autumn Nations Cup Final & Quilter International between England and France at Twickenham Stadium on December 06, 2020 in London, England. A limited number of fans (2000) are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite sport across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Eddie Jones, Head Coach of England looks on prior to the Autumn Nations Cup Final & Quilter International between England and France at Twickenham Stadium on December 06, 2020 in London, England. A limited number of fans (2000) are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite sport across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Now playing
03:48
Social media is 'never going to change,' says England coach Eddie Jones
Israel Folau has connected the bushfires tormenting Australia to the country's same-sex and abortion laws (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Israel Folau has connected the bushfires tormenting Australia to the country's same-sex and abortion laws (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Now playing
01:23
Rugby club slammed for signing controversial star Israel Folau
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 22: All Blacks Rugby Star Sonny Bill Williams speaks to the media after attending islamic prayers in Hagley Park near Al Noor mosque on March 22, 2019 in Christchurch, New Zealand. 50 people were killed, and dozens were injured in Christchurch on Friday, March 15 when a gunman opened fire at the Al Noor and Linwood mosques. The attack is the worst mass shooting in New Zealand's history. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 22: All Blacks Rugby Star Sonny Bill Williams speaks to the media after attending islamic prayers in Hagley Park near Al Noor mosque on March 22, 2019 in Christchurch, New Zealand. 50 people were killed, and dozens were injured in Christchurch on Friday, March 15 when a gunman opened fire at the Al Noor and Linwood mosques. The attack is the worst mass shooting in New Zealand's history. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Now playing
03:26
Sonny Bill Williams: 'I had to step up' after terror attacks
South African Rugby captain Siya Kolisi (C) holds up the Web Ellis trophy as the World Cup winner team parades Vilakazi street in Soweto on an open top bus on November 7, 2019 in Soweto, South Africa. (Photo by Michele Spatari / AFP) (Photo by MICHELE SPATARI/AFP via Getty Images)
South African Rugby captain Siya Kolisi (C) holds up the Web Ellis trophy as the World Cup winner team parades Vilakazi street in Soweto on an open top bus on November 7, 2019 in Soweto, South Africa. (Photo by Michele Spatari / AFP) (Photo by MICHELE SPATARI/AFP via Getty Images)
MICHELE SPATARI/AFP/AFP via Getty Images
Now playing
01:48
Springboks take Rugby World Cup trophy on tour
CHOFU, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 01: Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand warms up prior to the Rugby World Cup 2019 Bronze Final match between New Zealand and Wales at Tokyo Stadium on November 01, 2019 in Chofu, Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
CHOFU, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 01: Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand warms up prior to the Rugby World Cup 2019 Bronze Final match between New Zealand and Wales at Tokyo Stadium on November 01, 2019 in Chofu, Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Now playing
02:48
Sonny Bill Williams hoping to 'open doors' with rugby league switch
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 02: Siya Kolisi of South Africa shares a laugh with his children during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final between England and South Africa at International Stadium Yokohama on November 02, 2019 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 02: Siya Kolisi of South Africa shares a laugh with his children during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final between England and South Africa at International Stadium Yokohama on November 02, 2019 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Now playing
03:28
Siya Kolisi: It's a privilege to fight for the people back home
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Japan players celebrate after the win over South Africa during the Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool B match between South Africa and Japan at Brighton Community Centre on September 19, 2015 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Japan players celebrate after the win over South Africa during the Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool B match between South Africa and Japan at Brighton Community Centre on September 19, 2015 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Now playing
01:28
Rugby players advised to cover tattoos in Japan
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 27: Kieran Read of the All Blacks leads the haka during the Bledisloe Cup Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australia Wallabies at Westpac Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 27: Kieran Read of the All Blacks leads the haka during the Bledisloe Cup Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australia Wallabies at Westpac Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Now playing
01:27
How to perform the Haka
mongolia rugby tease
CNN World Rugby
Now playing
02:32
Mongolia's growing love for rugby
barrett brothers tease
Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Now playing
02:16
Barrett Brothers: The All-Blacks star family
Siya Kolisi of South Africa (2nd-L) celebrates after scoring a try against France during the International test match between South Africa and France at the Kingspark rugby stadium on June 17, 2017 in Durban. / AFP PHOTO / GIANLUIGI GUERCIA (Photo credit should read GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images)
Siya Kolisi of South Africa (2nd-L) celebrates after scoring a try against France during the International test match between South Africa and France at the Kingspark rugby stadium on June 17, 2017 in Durban. / AFP PHOTO / GIANLUIGI GUERCIA (Photo credit should read GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images)
GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Now playing
03:23
South Africa's first ever black rugby captain

Story highlights

Women's rugby is thriving in Australia

The women's rugby sevens gold at Rio 2016 gave the sport a huge boost

The women's sevens team was recently granted pay parity with the men

CNN  — 

On and off the field, Australian rugby is breaking new ground.

Last year, Raelene Castle became the first woman to head up any rugby organization when she was unveiled as the new CEO of Rugby Australia.

Shortly afterward, Australia’s male and female sevens players were granted pay parity on what was declared a “great day for women’s sport.”

And then, in January, Australia’s women made history in Sydney by becoming the first team to win a Sevens World Series event without conceding a single point.

For Castle, the women’s success on the field helped pave the way for the advances made off it, most notably in pay parity.

Ireland players celebrate an unbeaten Six Nations campaign after defeating England 15-24 at Twickenham.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Ireland players celebrate an unbeaten Six Nations campaign after defeating England 15-24 at Twickenham.
It was Ireland's third ever Grand Slam and first since 2009.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
It was Ireland's third ever Grand Slam and first since 2009.
There were wild scenes back home in Dublin where Irish fans celebrated St. Patrick's Day in style.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
There were wild scenes back home in Dublin where Irish fans celebrated St. Patrick's Day in style.
Jacob Stockdale scored against England on the stroke of halftime. His seven tries for the tournament is a Six Nations record.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Jacob Stockdale scored against England on the stroke of halftime. His seven tries for the tournament is a Six Nations record.
The hosts leave the field dejected. It was the third defeat in a row for Eddie Jones' side, which slipped to fifth -- its lowest placing in the competition since 1983.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The hosts leave the field dejected. It was the third defeat in a row for Eddie Jones' side, which slipped to fifth -- its lowest placing in the competition since 1983.
Wales edged past France 14-13 in Cardiff, where wing Liam Williams got on the scoresheet in the opening minutes for the hosts.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
GEOFF CADDICK/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Wales edged past France 14-13 in Cardiff, where wing Liam Williams got on the scoresheet in the opening minutes for the hosts.
The result meant France finished fourth with two wins and three defeats.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
GEOFF CADDICK/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The result meant France finished fourth with two wins and three defeats.
A late penalty from Greig Laidlaw ensured Scotland finished its campaign on a high, defeating Italy 27-29 in Rome.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
A late penalty from Greig Laidlaw ensured Scotland finished its campaign on a high, defeating Italy 27-29 in Rome.
Stuart Hogg put the visitors ahead late in the game, but it required Laidlaw's boot in the dying moments to secure the win.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Paolo Bruno/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Stuart Hogg put the visitors ahead late in the game, but it required Laidlaw's boot in the dying moments to secure the win.
For Italian captain Sergio Parisse (left), the defeat meant he became the first person ever to lose 100 test matches. His side failed to pick up a win in the Six Nations for the third season in a row.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Warren Little/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
For Italian captain Sergio Parisse (left), the defeat meant he became the first person ever to lose 100 test matches. His side failed to pick up a win in the Six Nations for the third season in a row.
Ireland wrapped up the 2018 Six Nations with a game to spare after defeating Scotland 28-8 in Dublin.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
PAUL FAITH/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 4: Ireland vs. Scotland —
Ireland wrapped up the 2018 Six Nations with a game to spare after defeating Scotland 28-8 in Dublin.
An Irish fan is in full voice as she celebrates her team's first title since 2015 and the prospect of a first grand slam since 2009.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 4: Ireland vs. Scotland —
An Irish fan is in full voice as she celebrates her team's first title since 2015 and the prospect of a first grand slam since 2009.
Scotland, suffering a first defeat in three games, got its sole try through wing Blair Kinghorn.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
PAUL FAITH/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 4: Ireland vs. Scotland —
Scotland, suffering a first defeat in three games, got its sole try through wing Blair Kinghorn.
For England, things went from bad to worse. The pre-tournament favorite suffered a second loss of the campaign, going down 19-16 to France in Paris.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 4: France vs. England —
For England, things went from bad to worse. The pre-tournament favorite suffered a second loss of the campaign, going down 19-16 to France in Paris.
A late surge from the visitors was repelled by Les Bleus, who celebrated their second victory of this year's tournament.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 4: France vs. England —
A late surge from the visitors was repelled by Les Bleus, who celebrated their second victory of this year's tournament.
England lock Courtney Lawes loses grip of a line out at the Stade de France.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
THOMAS SAMSON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 4: France vs. England —
England lock Courtney Lawes loses grip of a line out at the Stade de France.
Center Mathieu Bastareaud salutes the crowd. France has won both its games since his return to the side.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 4: France vs. England —
Center Mathieu Bastareaud salutes the crowd. France has won both its games since his return to the side.
Wales swept to a convincing 38-14 win over Italy at the Principality Stadium, where Leigh Halfpenny is seen making a break.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 4: Wales vs. Italy —
Wales swept to a convincing 38-14 win over Italy at the Principality Stadium, where Leigh Halfpenny is seen making a break.
George North made his first start of the campaign, bagging two of his side's five tries.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
GEOFF CADDICK/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 4: Wales vs. Italy —
George North made his first start of the campaign, bagging two of his side's five tries.
Italy's search for a Six Nations win goes on. The Azzurri did muster two scores in Cardiff through Matteo Minozzi and Mattia Bellini.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
GEOFF CADDICK/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 4: Wales vs. Italy —
Italy's search for a Six Nations win goes on. The Azzurri did muster two scores in Cardiff through Matteo Minozzi and Mattia Bellini.
Scotland's flanker John Barclay kisses the Calcutta Cup after <a href="http://coredev-dam-cnn.expprod.services.ec2.dmtio.net:8080/dam/assets/180226103040-stade-velodrome-six-nations-story-top.jpg" target="_blank" target="_blank">his side's 25-13 victory over England</a> at Murrayfield, Edinburgh. It was the first time Scotland has beaten its oldest rival in ten years.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
PAUL ELLIS/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 3: Scotland vs. England —
Scotland's flanker John Barclay kisses the Calcutta Cup after his side's 25-13 victory over England at Murrayfield, Edinburgh. It was the first time Scotland has beaten its oldest rival in ten years.
Center Huw Jones bagged a brace. The second was his tenth in 14 internationals.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 3: Scotland vs. England —
Center Huw Jones bagged a brace. The second was his tenth in 14 internationals.
For England, it was its second defeat under coach Eddie Jones in 26 games, the first coming against Ireland in last year's Six Nations.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 3: Scotland vs. England —
For England, it was its second defeat under coach Eddie Jones in 26 games, the first coming against Ireland in last year's Six Nations.
A thrilling encounter at Dublin's Aviva Stadium saw Ireland beat Wales 37-27. Winger Jacob Stockdale intercepted a Welsh pass to score the decisive try -- his second of the game -- in the closing stages.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 3: Ireland vs. Wales —
A thrilling encounter at Dublin's Aviva Stadium saw Ireland beat Wales 37-27. Winger Jacob Stockdale intercepted a Welsh pass to score the decisive try -- his second of the game -- in the closing stages.
Wales ensured the result went down to the wire with a couple of second-half tries. Steff Evans scored in the 77th minute to put late pressure on Ireland.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 3: Ireland vs. Wales —
Wales ensured the result went down to the wire with a couple of second-half tries. Steff Evans scored in the 77th minute to put late pressure on Ireland.
Keith Earls tries to escape the clutches of Welsh flanker Josh Navidi.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 3: Ireland vs. Wales —
Keith Earls tries to escape the clutches of Welsh flanker Josh Navidi.
Victory means Ireland is the only side at this stage to maintain its 100% record in this year's Six Nations.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 3: Ireland vs. Wales —
Victory means Ireland is the only side at this stage to maintain its 100% record in this year's Six Nations.
France, meanwhile, notched its first victory of the campaign by defeating Italy 34-17. Hugo Bonneval crossed in the second half to seal the win.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 3: France vs. Italy —
France, meanwhile, notched its first victory of the campaign by defeating Italy 34-17. Hugo Bonneval crossed in the second half to seal the win.
The loss was Italy's 15th consecutive Six Nations defeat across three seasons. Coach Conor O'Shea is yet to pick up a win in the tournament.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 3: France vs. Italy —
The loss was Italy's 15th consecutive Six Nations defeat across three seasons. Coach Conor O'Shea is yet to pick up a win in the tournament.
The match was played at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille -- the first time ever France has hosted a Six Nations game away from Paris.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
BORIS HORVAT/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 3: France vs. Italy —
The match was played at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille -- the first time ever France has hosted a Six Nations game away from Paris.
England's Owen Farrell celebrates his side's 12-6 victory over Wales during the second weekend of the Six Nations.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 2: England vs. Wales —
England's Owen Farrell celebrates his side's 12-6 victory over Wales during the second weekend of the Six Nations.
The home side raced into an early lead at Twickenham courtesy of two Jonny May tries. But controversy soon followed...
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 2: England vs. Wales —
The home side raced into an early lead at Twickenham courtesy of two Jonny May tries. But controversy soon followed...
After Anthony Watson (C) and Gareth Anscombe (R) dived at a kick in England's in-goal area, the television match official ruled that Watson had touched the ball down first. Wales coach Warren Gatland felt his side was denied a try, calling the decision a "terrible mistake" in what turned out to be a tightly-contested affair.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
BEN STANSALL/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 2: England vs. Wales —
After Anthony Watson (C) and Gareth Anscombe (R) dived at a kick in England's in-goal area, the television match official ruled that Watson had touched the ball down first. Wales coach Warren Gatland felt his side was denied a try, calling the decision a "terrible mistake" in what turned out to be a tightly-contested affair.
Ireland cruised past Italy 56-19 in Dublin, with Conor Murray (pictured) getting on the score sheet.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Gareth Copley/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 2: Ireland vs. Italy —
Ireland cruised past Italy 56-19 in Dublin, with Conor Murray (pictured) getting on the score sheet.
While Italy crossed for three tries, it wasn't enough to secure a bonus point. The Azzurri remain winless and bottom of the championship.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
PAUL FAITH/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 2: Ireland vs. Italy —
While Italy crossed for three tries, it wasn't enough to secure a bonus point. The Azzurri remain winless and bottom of the championship.
Traveling French fans were in full voice at Murrayfield for their side's clash with Scotland.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 2: Scotland vs. France —
Traveling French fans were in full voice at Murrayfield for their side's clash with Scotland.
But it was the home supporters who had more reason to cheer as their side won 32-26, picking up a first win of the tournament.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
David Rogers/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 2: Scotland vs. France —
But it was the home supporters who had more reason to cheer as their side won 32-26, picking up a first win of the tournament.
Greig Laidlaw put in a flawless kicking display, slotting 22 points from the tee.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
David Rogers/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 2: Scotland vs. France —
Greig Laidlaw put in a flawless kicking display, slotting 22 points from the tee.
On the opening weekend of the Six Nations, Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton was the hero as his side claimed a last gasp 15-13 victory over France.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
THOMAS SAMSON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 1: France vs. Ireland —
On the opening weekend of the Six Nations, Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton was the hero as his side claimed a last gasp 15-13 victory over France.
Sexton scored a long range drop goal with time up on the clock to claim victory.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: France vs. Ireland —
Sexton scored a long range drop goal with time up on the clock to claim victory.
Irish fans celebrate in the Stade de France.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: France vs. Ireland —
Irish fans celebrate in the Stade de France.
Controversy arose in the game after France's Antoine Dupont was sent for a head injury assessment (HIA) despite appearing to injure his knee. The HIA call enabled France, who had used all of their substitutes, to reintroduce starting scrum half Maxime Machenaud as a temporary replacement during the game's closing stages.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 1: France vs. Ireland —
Controversy arose in the game after France's Antoine Dupont was sent for a head injury assessment (HIA) despite appearing to injure his knee. The HIA call enabled France, who had used all of their substitutes, to reintroduce starting scrum half Maxime Machenaud as a temporary replacement during the game's closing stages.
The dramatic nature of Ireland's late victory left the French crowd dejected.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: France vs. Ireland —
The dramatic nature of Ireland's late victory left the French crowd dejected.
Scotland was another side to feel the blues on the opening weekend, succumbing 34-7 to Wales in Cardiff.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: Wales vs. Scotland —
Scotland was another side to feel the blues on the opening weekend, succumbing 34-7 to Wales in Cardiff.
Leigh Halfpenny scored two tries for the rampant Welsh.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: Wales vs. Scotland —
Leigh Halfpenny scored two tries for the rampant Welsh.
Steff Evans (pictured) and Gareth Davies also crossed the line for Wales.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
David Rogers/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: Wales vs. Scotland —
Steff Evans (pictured) and Gareth Davies also crossed the line for Wales.
A happy Wales fan takes in the action in Cardiff as Wales trounce Scotland.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
David Rogers/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: Wales vs. Scotland —
A happy Wales fan takes in the action in Cardiff as Wales trounce Scotland.
The final match of the opening weekend saw Italy face England in Rome.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: Italy vs. England —
The final match of the opening weekend saw Italy face England in Rome.
Debutant Sam Simmonds scored twice for England as the reigning champions cut loose to win 46-15.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: Italy vs. England —
Debutant Sam Simmonds scored twice for England as the reigning champions cut loose to win 46-15.
Owen Farrell also touched down and contributed four conversions and a penalty.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: Italy vs. England —
Owen Farrell also touched down and contributed four conversions and a penalty.

READ: The incredible story of “Cool Runnings on grass”

“Athletes are training just as hard as the men, delivering commercial outcomes like the men are and therefore you can start to have not only the rational conversation about equality but also the more emotive conversation about it,” she told CNN’s World Rugby.

“It’s an enormous step forward for our women’s sevens team and I absolutely believe it’s the right one.”

Australia is unbeaten in this season’s Sevens World Series, winning tournaments in Dubai and Sydney.

Add to this an Olympic gold medal at Rio 2016 and it’s no surprise the seven-a-side game is booming Down Under – participation increased from 200,000 to 1.7 million between 2014 and 2017, including a 33% rise during the Olympic year.

Australia's Emma Tonegato (L), Charlotte Caslick (C) and Dominique Du Toit (R) celebrate beating New Zealand in the final of the Sydney Sevens.
Australia's Emma Tonegato (L), Charlotte Caslick (C) and Dominique Du Toit (R) celebrate beating New Zealand in the final of the Sydney Sevens.
Matt King/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images

Eye on the future

The first women’s Sevens World Series took place in 2012-13 and Australia became the first nation other than New Zealand to lift the title in 2016. This season’s competition takes in five venues with Australia well positioned to claim its second crown.

This year there’s the added incentive of a World Cup in July, hosted by the USA in San Francisco, and the Commonwealth Games, hosted in Australia’s Gold Coast.

Victory for South Africa and a fifth-place finish for Fiji saw the Blitzboks take the 2017-18 Sevens World Series title by just two points.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
Steve Bardens/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Paris, France —
Victory for South Africa and a fifth-place finish for Fiji saw the Blitzboks take the 2017-18 Sevens World Series title by just two points.
A runner-up finish for Australia in Paris was enough to secure the overall women's title ahead of rivals New Zealand.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
Steve Bardens/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Paris, France —
A runner-up finish for Australia in Paris was enough to secure the overall women's title ahead of rivals New Zealand.
Portia Woodman bagged two tries in the Paris final, which ended 33-7 in favor of the Black Ferns. Despite three tournament wins, however, they couldn't defend their championship title.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Paris, France —
Portia Woodman bagged two tries in the Paris final, which ended 33-7 in favor of the Black Ferns. Despite three tournament wins, however, they couldn't defend their championship title.
Fiji's Josua Tuisova looks for an offload in the final of the London Sevens against South Africa. His side ran out <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2018/06/03/sport/london-sevens-fiji-south-africa-rugby-intl-spt/index.html">21-17 victors</a> to take control of the series.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
London, England —
Fiji's Josua Tuisova looks for an offload in the final of the London Sevens against South Africa. His side ran out 21-17 victors to take control of the series.
New Zealand's Black Ferns inflicted the heaviest ever series defeat on Australia in the final of the Canada Sevens, scoring eight tries in a 46-0 demolition of their rivals.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
DON MACKINNON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Langford, Canada —
New Zealand's Black Ferns inflicted the heaviest ever series defeat on Australia in the final of the Canada Sevens, scoring eight tries in a 46-0 demolition of their rivals.
Fiji moved to the top of the standings with a tense victory over Australia in <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2018/04/29/sport/fiji-singapore-rugby-sevens-hsbc-sevens-world-series-australia-spt-intl/index.html">Singapore</a>.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Singapore —
Fiji moved to the top of the standings with a tense victory over Australia in Singapore.
New Zealand's Black Ferns backed up <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/15/sport/commonwealth-games-2018-new-zealand-win-first-womens-rugby-sevens-gold-spt/index.html">Commonwealth gold</a> with silverware in Japan after a 24-12 victory over France in final.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
Matt Roberts/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Kitakyushu, Japan —
New Zealand's Black Ferns backed up Commonwealth gold with silverware in Japan after a 24-12 victory over France in final.
Fiji made history in Hong Kong -- the <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/06/sport/hong-kong-rugby-hsbc-sevens-world-series-fiji-spt-intl/index.html">most famous and best-loved leg</a> of the Sevens World Series -- by winning a fourth consecutive title, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/08/sport/fiji-hong-kong-sevens-kenya-spt/index.html">defeating Kenya 24-12</a> in the final.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Hong Kong —
Fiji made history in Hong Kong -- the most famous and best-loved leg of the Sevens World Series -- by winning a fourth consecutive title, defeating Kenya 24-12 in the final.
Japan gained a berth in next year's Sevens World Series with a 19-14 victory over Germany in the qualifier event.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
Keith Tsuji/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Hong Kong —
Japan gained a berth in next year's Sevens World Series with a 19-14 victory over Germany in the qualifier event.
Fiji fans celebrate in <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/sport/canada-sevens-kenya-fiji-spt/index.html">Vancouver</a> where their country secured its second win of the Sevens World Series.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
Ben Nelms/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Vancouver, Cananda —
Fiji fans celebrate in Vancouver where their country secured its second win of the Sevens World Series.
Kenya was the tournament's surprise package. Playing in its first final since Singapore in 2016, Shujaa eventually went down 31-12 to Fiji.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
DON MACKINNON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Vancouver, Cananda —
Kenya was the tournament's surprise package. Playing in its first final since Singapore in 2016, Shujaa eventually went down 31-12 to Fiji.
There was an historic result in <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2018/03/05/sport/las-vegas-usa-sevens-rugby-argentina-perry-baker-hsbc-world-series-intl/index.html">Vegas</a> as the Eagles lifted the trophy for the first time on home soil with a 28-0 victory over Argentina in the final. It was just the second title USA have won, the first coming in London in 2015.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
Brandon Magnus /Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Las Vegas, USA —
There was an historic result in Vegas as the Eagles lifted the trophy for the first time on home soil with a 28-0 victory over Argentina in the final. It was just the second title USA have won, the first coming in London in 2015.
Fiji overturned a first-half deficit against South Africa to <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/05/sport/hamilton-rugby-sevens-fiji-south-africa/index.html">claim a first title of the season</a> in Hamilton -- the first time the town has hosted a Sevens World Series tournament after the New Zealand leg was moved from Wellington.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
MICHAEL BRADLEY/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Hamilton, New Zealand —
Fiji overturned a first-half deficit against South Africa to claim a first title of the season in Hamilton -- the first time the town has hosted a Sevens World Series tournament after the New Zealand leg was moved from Wellington.
Australia's women continued their storming start to the season <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2018/01/29/sport/sydney-australia-rugby-sevens-world-series/index.html">in Sydney</a>. Tim Walsh's side became the first team ever to go a whole tournament without conceding a point.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
MARK EVANS/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Sydney, Australia —
Australia's women continued their storming start to the season in Sydney. Tim Walsh's side became the first team ever to go a whole tournament without conceding a point.
There was more good news to come for home fans that weekend in Sydney. The men <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2018/01/29/sport/sydney-australia-rugby-sevens-world-series/index.html">eased past South Africa 29-0</a> in the final, with Ben O'Donnell (pictured) grabbing a brace.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
Jason McCawley/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images for HSBC
Sydney, Australia —
There was more good news to come for home fans that weekend in Sydney. The men eased past South Africa 29-0 in the final, with Ben O'Donnell (pictured) grabbing a brace.
The All Blacks claimed a first tournament victory since March 2016 in Cape Town, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2017/12/11/sport/rugby-sevens-world-series-round-two-cape-town-new-zealand-haka/index.html">toppling Argentina </a>in the final.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
RODGER BOSCH/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Cape Town, South Africa —
The All Blacks claimed a first tournament victory since March 2016 in Cape Town, toppling Argentina in the final.
Having finished second to New Zealand in last season's overall standings, Australia's women got their campaign off to winning ways by <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2017/12/04/sport/rugby-sevens-world-series-dubai-round-one-south-africa/index.html">overwhelming USA 34-0</a> in the opening tournament in Dubai.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
Francois Nel/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Dubai, UAE —
Having finished second to New Zealand in last season's overall standings, Australia's women got their campaign off to winning ways by overwhelming USA 34-0 in the opening tournament in Dubai.
Last year's world champion South Africa started this season as they ended the last. The Blitzboks <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2017/12/04/sport/rugby-sevens-world-series-dubai-round-one-south-africa/index.html">saw off New Zealand 24-12</a> in the UAE to win the first piece of silverware up for grabs in the men's competition.
Photos: Rugby Sevens 2017-18
GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Dubai, UAE —
Last year's world champion South Africa started this season as they ended the last. The Blitzboks saw off New Zealand 24-12 in the UAE to win the first piece of silverware up for grabs in the men's competition.

The stars of the Australian team have both youth and experience on their side. Emma Tonegato is 22 but has already scored 73 Sevens World Series tries. Charlotte Caslick is the same age and has already played in 138 games.

While the team’s immediate future looks promising, it’s long-term prospects are equally positive. A university sevens league has recently been introduced, giving up-and-coming players the chance to not only develop their skills, but to also stake a claim for national selection.

Visit cnn.com/sport for more news and videos

“It’s just going leaps and bounds,” says sevens co-captain Sharni Williams, one of the gold medal winners in Rio.

“Having a new CEO as well come in on top of what we’ve started to create – women’s sport in Australia is really taking off.”

06:13 - Source: CNN
Can Ben Ryan work magic with France?

A healthy position to be in, but getting there hasn’t necessarily been easy. Even Tim Walsh, coach of the women’s sevens team, was forced to reassess his rugby values.

“Seven years ago I was offered the coach and I said ‘no, I’m not coaching women’s rugby,’” he admitted.

“The whole world is seeing what amazing athletes and rugby players the women are. They’re basically opening up a whole new genre and a whole new market to world rugby.”