In the lead-up to the Rugby Sevens in Hong Kong next week, Maddi Levi has shared her ambitions to continue breaking records, after her return to rugby following her broken hand.
Levi broke her hand during the Perth SVNS competition in January 2025 after a team-mate fell on her. While she'll play in Hong Kong, Levi will have a small splint, protecting her thumb, which has a plate and four screws as the healing process continues.
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Levi reflected on the mental barriers of returning to play after her injury, revealing. “I think for me, coming back into it, the only time I'll hurt it is if I hesitate. So I just have to forget about it.”
“And I think just the fact I'm back out there with the girls playing footy is enough distraction. And I think getting it hit and getting used to contact is something that needed to have happened in order for me to play next week as well."
Levi is used to breaking records. She holds the record for most tries in a World Series year and an Olympics.
In lieu of the upcoming 15s World Cup, Levi is grateful for her rehabilitation process. “if I was to progress into a potential World Cup, having this break is probably the break I needed but wasn't going to give myself,” said Levi.
The Hong Kong tournament will be one with training wheels for the Australians, as, “It's a transitioning year.. we've obviously got five girls out with injury and five of those girls normally start. [and] seven new girls,” noted Levi.
Amahli Hala has been named as a debutant for the event, the 19-year-old having a breakout campaign in the Next Gen Series last October, and will be easy to spot in her iconic pink headgear.
Levi is excited to play with Hala, commenting, “She'll just bring another level. And for her, she's one of the most humble human beings and always eager to learn. So she'll just keep getting better.”
