You can help Bella’s dreams come true

Bella Afutoto Leaegailesolo has been selected to play at the youth rugby sevens competition in Florida in April, where she will be seen by US rugby scouts who identify talent for future scholarships and college pathways. Photo contributed

Story: Kristin Murdock

There’s plenty of pride in Brewarrina, with local grandmother Jenny Howlett-Davidson preparing to watch her granddaughter Bella Afutoto Leaegailesolo represent Australia at the Tropical 7s Tournament in Florida next month.

Bella, who lives in Emerald, Queensland, has been selected in the Under 16 girls’ rugby sevens side travelling to the United States. The event is regarded as the largest youth rugby sevens competition in the world.

“It’s the first time that they have invited a 16 girls rugby team to the competition,” Ms Howlett-Davidson said. “So that’s pretty amazing in itself.”

Bella, who is proudly Aboriginal and Samoan, has strong links to the Bourke and Brewarrina region. Her great-grandparents are from Bourke, and Ms Howlett-Davidson’s family has long-standing connections to the area.

Ms Howlett-Davidson said Bella began her rugby journey playing league before finding her passion in sevens. […]

Read more local news in the printed edition of The Western Herald.

To subscribe call (02) 6872 2333 today and receive The Western Herald in your letterbox next week!