Isabella Nasser: Inspired by Rio 2016, aiming for LA 2028

When Isabella Nasser tuned in to watch the 2016 Rio Olympics as a 13-year-old, she had little idea her life was about to change.

As Australia created Olympic history by winning the first women's rugby sevens gold medal, the Brisbane State High student was inspired to take up the sport.

Ten years later, Nasser is Australia's co-captain, an Olympian and among the premier rugby sevens players on the international stage.

"It changed everything for young girls aspiring to play rugby," Nasser said of Australia's 2016 Olympic victory.

"I sort of never looked at rugby as a female sport until that moment.

"I feel there's no other words to describe it other than inspiring.

"They paved the way for the opportunities we've got now and where women's rugby is heading."

Nasser is not alone in highlighting Australia's triumph as the moment many girls discovered rugby could become a potential career.

Last month, Wallaroos star Piper Duck told ABC Sport the Rio Games was the first time she had watched rugby, when she was 15.

"That was a massive movement in rugby union at the time as a lot of young girls have come off the back of that and gone, 'Wow, this is a possibility for me'," Duck said.

Australia's 2016 Olympic squad deserve to be regarded as giants of the game, which is why Nasser is humbled to have the opportunity to continue their legacy.

"Representing my country has been a dream since I was a young girl," said Nasser, who debuted for Australia in 2022.

"Going to the Olympics and playing for my country and wearing the Australian crest on my chest is really a dream come true."

Aussies to resume NZ rivalry

Nasser represented Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics and is hopeful of making the squad for the Los Angeles Games in two years' time.

But her immediate focus is helping Australia win the Rugby Sevens World Championship, which concludes next month.

The World Championship is contested across three legs: Hong Kong, Valladolid and Bordeaux.

Australia lost to New Zealand 19-14 in the Hong Kong final last month and will need to win in Valladolid (May 29-31) and Bordeaux (June 5-7) if it is to claim the World Championship.

New Zealand defeated Australia in five of the six finals during the 2025/26 regular season.

But in December's Cape Town leg, Australia dominated New Zealand from the opening whistle in the tournament decider, winning 26-12.

Nasser, who was named player of the final in Cape Town, described the rivalry with New Zealand as "pretty fierce and very competitive".

"I think every match we play them it comes down to the rub of the green really, because we're both very good sides," said Nasser, who will play her 25th tournament for Australia in Valladolid.

"That one in Hong Kong really hurt. I felt it could have gone either way.

"That was definitely a close game but New Zealand got the better of us for that one, unfortunately."

World Cup on the horizon

Nasser's family has a rich rugby history.

Her father Brendan forged a career as an uncompromising backrower and was a member of the Wallabies' 1991 men's Rugby World Cup-winning squad.

Older brother Josh, who plays hooker, made his Test debut for the Wallabies in 2024.

The 15-a-side game is on Nasser's radar, with the 2029 women's Rugby World Cup to be hosted by Australia.

A potential alignment of the Wallaroos and sevens' programs will make it easier for players to compete in both formats of the game.

"My focus now is very much sevens but and I'd love to experience the 15s path, particularly leading into a home World Cup in 2029," Nasser said.

"I think that would be pretty epic to play in and something I'll definitely look at in a few of years' time."

Of course, the LA Olympics appear prominently on the calendar in the year before the World Cup.

Australia will be looking to win its first rugby sevens gold since the momentous 2016 victory, having finished outside of the medals at the past two Olympics.

Just as her teenage self was motivated to play rugby sevens after watching the Rio Games, Nasser is hoping Australia can do the same for the next generation of girls by capturing gold in LA.

"It wouldn't only be so wonderful for us individually and the team, but it would hopefully inspire so many other young girls hoping to be in our position one day," Nasser said.

"I think that would be unbelievable."