Tavo to lead Australia

The dual-international, who has represented Australia in touch-football for several seasons as well as featuring for Australia in the shortened form of the game, replaces long-serving skipper, and good friend, Cheryl Soon.

Tavos elevation to the role of captain comes ahead of Australias return to Dubai in, a location where on their last visit in 2009 they held aloft the inaugural Womens Sevens World Cup title.

The 2011 Dubai Sevens, which coincides with the second leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series, will be the first officially sanctioned Women's international Sevens tournament, apart from the Rugby World Cup Sevens and will include a host of nations keen to put on a show.

Tavo will lead her young side against the likes of Canada, England, South Africa and the USA, in what will be a challenging tournament for the Aussie women.

A member of Australias victorious campaign at the 2009 World Cup, Tavo said she was proud to have been given the role.

I was shocked; I didnt really know what to say, Tavo said.I actually asked Laney [Chris Lane Australian Womens Sevens coach] if he was sure he wanted me. But seriously, I was blown away. It is a huge honour and Im very proud to be given the chance.

Tavo tasted her second World Cup success earlier in 2011, after featuring in the Aussie Womens touch-football side which claimed the number one crown in Edinburgh.

While achieving success in both codes, Tavo has chosen to switch her focus to the full-contact version of the game.

Rugby has been my true home for the past few years now and this is certainly my priority, Tavo said.

Im really excited for Dubai and especially to have such an awesome team behind me as we run out.