High praise for young Dunsborough rugby talent

Rugby Union talent Poppy Stevens has been awarded the Busselton Freight Rising Sports Star award for March, recognising her dedication, skill, and achievements in the sport.

The 15-year-old from Dunsborough, who attends Cape Naturaliste College, has made a name for herself in rugby, competing at both regional and state levels.

Poppy began her rugby journey six years ago with the Busselton & Dunsborough Junior Beetles Rugby Club, inspired by her older brother.

She quickly stood out, competing alongside boys in the junior competition and often emerging as one of the best players on the field.

Her impressive performances led to her selection in the first XV for South West Spirit Rugby Club, where she played a key role in their 2024 campaign, including a hard-fought grand final appearance in the Perth metropolitan competition.

Her standout season earned her an invitation to trial for the State Regional Program, a pathway to state selection.

Through this program, Poppy secured a spot in the Under-16 RugbyWA Girls State Team, where she faced off against strong teams from New South Wales and the Pacific Islands in November 2024.

Her performances at the state level did not go unnoticed, leading to her selection for the RugbyWA Girls Academy Program for 2025.

Poppy’s commitment to the sport is undeniable.

Despite the long travel from the South West to Perth for training and matches, she remains dedicated to her development while balancing club and school commitments.

She is also a mentor to younger players in the South West program, serving as a role model and earning the respect of her teammates.

Her leadership qualities were recognised when she was voted the Players’ Player for the South West Spirit team in 2024.

RugbyWA U16 Girls State Coach Tamati Young praised Poppy’s character and work ethic, saying, “Poppy is one of those people who just makes things better by being around. She’s strong-willed, tough, and always puts the team first. She’s a great human and an absolute pleasure to coach.”

Poppy’s passion for rugby and her relentless drive to improve make her a deserving recipient of the Busselton Freight Rising Sports Star award.

With a promising future ahead, she continues to inspire young athletes in the South West and beyond.

The Busselton Freight Rising Sports Star program, proudly sponsored by Busselton Freight since 2008, celebrates the achievements of young athletes aged 13-18 in the City of Busselton.

Monthly winners, like Poppy, receive $400 and become eligible for the program’s annual awards, which include significant cash prizes of up to $4,000 for the overall winner.