ACT Brumbies Super Rugby Women’s centre Savannah Roberts-Hickling’s rise to professional rugby will be celebrated during National Reconciliation Week, as the Swyftx Super Rugby Women's side prepares to wear the club’s Indigenous jersey for the first time in Saturday’s pre-season clash against the NSW Waratahs at GIO Stadium. The match, kicking off at 12.05PM, forms part of a double-header at GIO Stadium ahead of the ACT Brumbies Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific final regular season fixture against Moana Pasifika later that afternoon, kick off at 2.35PM, with both sides set to proudly wear the club’s Indigenous jersey. At just 19 years old, Roberts-Hickling’s journey already represents a significant milestone for the Brumbies Indigenous Pathways Program (IPP), becoming the first graduate of the initiative to earn a Super Rugby Women’s contract. A proud Bundjalung and Gomeroi woman, Roberts-Hickling transitioned to rugby union after growing up playing rugby league and was part of the first female intake of the Indigenous Pathways Program at the end of 2025. Founded by former Australian Rugby Sevens athlete Matthew Sonter, CEO of ACT & SNSW Rugby Craig Leseberg, and Brumbies winger Andy Muirhead in partnership with ACT Rugby, the Indigenous Pathways Program is designed to identify, nurture and support young First Nations rugby players across the ACT and regional NSW. The initiative provides selected athletes with a six-week elite development camp, access to Brumbies facilities and staff, paid accommodation, relocation support and integration into Canberra club rugby, while also offering mentorship and cultural guidance from First Nations elders to help players thrive both on and off the field. Roberts-Hickling said representing the Brumbies during Reconciliation Week while wearing the Indigenous jersey carried special significance. “It means a lot to be part of this occasion and to wear the Indigenous jersey for the first time with the Super W side,” Roberts-Hickling said. “The Indigenous Pathways Program gave me an opportunity to chase rugby at a higher level, but it also gave me support away from the field and helped me settle into Canberra and the Brumbies environment.” “To now be part of the Brumbies squad and represent the club during Reconciliation Week is something I’m really proud of.” ACT Brumbies Super Rugby Women Head Coach James Erwin said Roberts-Hickling’s progression highlighted the importance of creating strong pathways and support systems for First Nations athletes. “Savannah’s journey is exactly what the Indigenous Pathways Program was designed to achieve, and hopefully her story continues to inspire those who will follow in her footsteps.”” Erwin said. “She’s worked incredibly hard for her opportunity and continues to push herself harder every week to challenge for selection.” “She’s brought great energy to the squad, and her ability with ball in hand has already made an impression throughout the pre-season” “Reconciliation Week is an important time for our club and our game, and for the women’s team to wear the Indigenous jersey for the first time alongside the men’s side makes Saturday a really special occasion.”
A massive Saturday awaits at GIO Stadium, with the Brumbies Super Rugby Women opening the day against the Waratahs before the men close the regular season against Moana Pasifika — both sides proudly running out in the club’s Indigenous jersey during National Reconciliation Week.
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