Star Rugby Sevens sisters' NRLW request rejected

Sisters Maddison (L) and Teagan Levi

Rugby Australia has rejected a request from Rugby Sevens stars Maddison and Teagan Levi to play in the NRLW next year.

NRLW clubs Wests Tigers and Gold Coast Titans approached the sisters to gauge their interest for the 2025 season, following their starring roles at the Paris Olympics.

Despite having the chance to maximise their earnings and having the blessing of Australia's women's sevens coach Tim Walsh and his staff, Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh stepped in put an end to the potential move and expected them to fulfil their obligations to Rugby.

Teagan, 21, and Maddison, 22, can earn up to $100,000 as marquee players for a maximum 13-week stint in the competition next year, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

That figure is almost as much as they earn in a year under their fulltime contracts with Rugby Australia, which expire at the end of 2026.

RA powerbrokers want the sisters to make themselves available for the Wallaroos' World Cup campaign next year.

But the report states the siblings are reluctant to play the 15-a-side version of the sport and would prefer to earn the extra money available in rugby league.

The sisters' manager, former duel international Mat Rogers, said conversations with RA were ongoing.

"Our priority at Rogers Sports Management is Maddie and Teagan Levi," Rogers said.

"We understand that rugby has afforded them an amazing opportunity, but these young women are phenomenal athletes in demand in three codes; AFL, rugby league and rugby union. They are currently contracted to rugby union.

"There's no doubt we will honour that contract but we're always exploring ways to maximise the earning capacity of our girls that best suits their future.

"There has been an appetite to explore it, but with the rugby women's World Cup on the horizon, it doesn't look likely they will be afforded the opportunity to play."