When Isabella Nasser watched the 2016 Rio Olympics at the age of 13, she had no idea that her future was about to take a significant turn. As Australia made history by securing its first gold medal in women’s rugby sevens, the Brisbane State High student found herself inspired to pursue the sport.

A decade later, Nasser has risen to prominence as Australia’s co-captain, an accomplished Olympian, and one of the top rugby sevens athletes on the global stage. Reflecting on Australia’s Olympic victory, she remarked, “It changed everything for young girls aspiring to play rugby. I never viewed rugby as a female sport until that moment. It’s hard to describe it other than as inspiring. They opened doors for the opportunities we have now and the future of women’s rugby.”

Nasser is not alone in recognizing the impact of Australia’s achievement in Rio. Wallaroos player Piper Duck shared with ABC Sport that the 2016 Games were her introduction to rugby at 15 years old. “That was a pivotal moment for rugby union, inspiring many young girls to think, ‘Wow, this is a possibility for me’,” Duck stated.

The 2016 Olympic team is celebrated as trailblazers in the sport, and Nasser feels honored to carry on their legacy. “Representing my country has been a dream since childhood,” said Nasser, who made her debut for Australia in 2022. “Competing in the Olympics and wearing the Australian crest is truly a dream realized.”

Nasser recently participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics and is eager to be selected for the Los Angeles Games in two years. However, her immediate goal is to assist Australia in clinching the Rugby Sevens World Championship, which will conclude next month. The Championship comprises three legs: Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux.

Australia faced New Zealand in the Hong Kong final last month, suffering a narrow defeat of 19-14. To secure the World Championship title, Australia must perform well in the upcoming events in Valladolid (May 29-31) and Bordeaux (June 5-7).

New Zealand has triumphed over Australia in five out of six finals during the 2025/26 regular season. Yet, Australia claimed victory during the Cape Town leg in December, decisively winning 26-12. Nasser, honored as the player of the final in Cape Town, characterized the rivalry with New Zealand as “intense and highly competitive.” She added, “Every encounter seems to hinge on the smallest details, as both teams are exceptionally skilled. The loss in Hong Kong was tough; it felt like the match could have gone either way.”

Nasser comes from a family with a rich rugby heritage. Her father, Brendan, was a formidable backrower and part of the Wallabies’ 1991 Rugby World Cup-winning team. Her older brother Josh debuted for the Wallabies as a hooker in 2024. Nasser has her sights set on the 15-a-side format, especially with the women’s Rugby World Cup scheduled to be hosted by Australia in 2029. She noted that a potential alignment of the Wallaroos and sevens programs could facilitate players’ participation in both formats.