19-year-old Sid Harvey believes his sudden introduction to international Sevens action will help him fast-track his future ambitions of being a Wallaby.
Harvey is the youngest member of the revamped Sevens squad, debuting in Dubai two months after his 19th birthday.
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“It's pretty crazy but I’m loving it," he told Rugby.com.au before leaving from this weekend's Hong Kong event.
“I’m only 19, so footy-wise, I’m still pretty young, but it’s just so much fun, and I’ve got so much time to learn all this. It’s a tough place to learn on the Sevens circuit but it’s pretty enjoyable traveling around with these boys.”
The classy left-footer was thrown right into the deep end, with Australia facing Olympic gold medalists France and bronze medalists South Africa on the first day of the 2024-25 SVNS World Series.
"I think they had an unchanged side pretty much from the Olympics (where they won bronze) and immediately I was found out,” he admits.
“My defence is something I came here to work on and I'm still getting there but I'm improving.
“That first tournament was a big wake-up, but it was a good but steep learning curve. ‘Baz’ (Liam Barry) has been really good, and the older boys with myself, Aden (Ekanayake) and Jayden (Blake), have not put too many expectations and pressure on the guys, which has been great for me.
“I'm a pretty harsh critic of myself, so I’m going to bash myself into the ground if I miss a tackle, but they’re always helping me learn with (the mistakes).”
Harvey is set for a big year to juggle SVNS with his ambitions to play at the U20 World Championship in Italy in July.
The Easts' product played for the Waratahs U20s at the start of the month and instantly felt the difference in his game after a stint with the Sevens program.
“We had a set play against France in Vancouver and I was on the back of a pretty neat ball from ‘Moz’ (Maurice Longbottom) and it just put me straight through. I just looked up, saw a bit of space, and three months go, I wasn't backing myself to go through that space," Harvey explained.
“Playing at this level has probably elevated that confidence a bit and made me back myself, believing I can compete with them.
“…I went back to Waratahs a few weeks ago for the 20s game and found it so enjoyable. I was so calm going into it because Sevens, you need to be steady in that high intense but emotionally charged environment, and it transferred pretty well.”
Harvey has been in regular contact with Australia U20s coach Chris Whitaker, with the group set to go into camp when the Sevens squad is in Singapore.
He is one of three Sevens stars who were included as part of the 'unavailable for selection' section of the squad announcement along with Hadley Tonga and Aden Ekanayake
footy at Easts, which I'm really looking forward to. I think it will transfer really well and we'll be in a pretty good state to stay calmer, back my game but not trying to overplay anything," he added.
“I let the 20s know early that was available for selection and wanted to play 20s. I think everyone's end goal, certainly mine, is to play for the Wallabies, and Sevens is providing me so much learning and helping with my 15s game.
“I’ve been talking with Chris (Whitaker, Australia U20s coach), who was at Tahs when I was there at the academy, and we have a good relationship. He’s been in contact with me, Hadley (Tonga) and Aden about where we’re at.
“Right now, I’m committed to the Sevens program and hopefully picked for LA, but then straight into 20s from here whether it’s a camp or not. I’ll have to earn my spot in the squad, but that’ll be good, and I’m really excited to get back there and transfer everything I’ve learned into that environment.
