In a heartbreaking yet inspiring twist, superstar sevens sisters Maddison and Teagan Levi have made a pivotal decision that will shape their athletic futures—and it’s one that’s sure to spark debate. After intense pursuit from the NRLW’s Gold Coast Titans, the sisters have chosen to stay with Rugby Australia, citing their unfinished business with Olympic gold as the driving force. But here’s where it gets controversial: could this be the right move, or are they missing out on a golden opportunity in a different sport? Let’s dive in.
The Levi sisters, two of rugby sevens’ brightest stars, have extended their contracts with Rugby Australia until the end of 2028, setting their sights firmly on the Los Angeles Olympics. This decision comes after a tantalizing offer from the Titans, who had hoped to secure the duo for the 2026 NRLW season. But why pass up such a lucrative deal? The answer lies in their passion for sevens and the pursuit of redemption after the crushing disappointment of the Paris Olympics, where Australia fell short of gold.
Their father, Jason, a former rugby league player for Manly in the 1990s, has undoubtedly influenced their athletic journey. While the sisters haven’t ruled out a future code switch, the timing simply didn’t align this time. With the sevens world championships concluding in June, they would’ve had just four weeks to prepare for a new sport—a challenge even for athletes of their caliber. Is this a missed opportunity, or a wise decision to focus on their strengths?
Teagan Levi summed it up perfectly: ‘The opportunity was there, and it’s a great opportunity, but you can’t beat a full-time program.’ For her, as a halfback, a full pre-season was non-negotiable. But here’s the part most people miss: at just 22 and 23 years old, the sisters are playing the long game. They’re not just athletes; they’re strategists, carefully mapping out their careers.
Financial gain could’ve been a factor, but for Maddison and Teagan, money isn’t the ultimate motivator. Maddison, already third on the all-time try-scoring list with 221 tries in the HSBC SVNS world series, emphasized, ‘Money is nice, but it’s not the be all and end all. We play for the love of the game.’ Is this a refreshing take on modern sports, or are they undervaluing their worth?
Their decision to prioritize sevens isn’t just about passion—it’s about legacy. With the 2029 Rugby World Cup on home soil and the LA Olympics in their sights, the sisters are determined to leave an indelible mark on the sport. But what if injury or burnout derails their plans? Are they risking too much by putting all their eggs in one basket?
The pain of Paris still lingers. Maddison, who scored a record 15 tries at the Games, reflected, ‘You prepare so much, and we were in the best position to get that Olympic gold, but a few errors let us down.’ That heartbreak is fueling their fire for LA. But is redemption enough to carry them through the next four years?
As they prepare for upcoming events in Singapore and Perth, the sisters are more focused than ever. Yet, questions remain. Are they making the right call by sticking to sevens? Or will they one day look back and wonder what could’ve been in the NRLW? What do you think? Is their loyalty to sevens admirable, or should they have taken the leap? Let’s debate it in the comments!
