'The switch to league has always been on my mind': Titans land rugby sevens star in 'huge' NRLW coup
Updated . First published at
Rugby Australia will welcome Teagan Levi back with open arms after the national sevens stalwart opted to take up a sabbatical option with the Gold Coast Titans in 2026.
Levi and her superstar older sister Maddison penned contract extensions with RA in January that run until the end of 2028 and take in the Los Angeles Olympics.
But an RA spokesperson said both sisters had sabbatical options in those contracts and Teagan had decided to scratch a long-held itch.
Watch the 2025-26 World Sevens Series with every match streaming live and on demand on the home of rugby, Stan Sport
Teagan Levi of Australia scores a try against Great Britain. Getty
Teagan remains eligible for selection for Australia's two remaining 2025-26 sevens tournaments in Spain (May 29-31) and France (June 5-7).
The Titans kick off their NRLW season against the Sydney Roosters on July 4.
The NRLW grand final is on October 4 and last year's world sevens series opener kicked off in Dubai on November 29-30.
READ MORE: Piastri leaps onto Miami podium with daring last-lap move
READ MORE: Star's 'cheap shot' could cost him an Origin comeback
READ MORE: Sam Kerr breaks Chelsea record in 'special' moment
Teagan Levi and Maddison Levi. Getty Images for ARU
"I'm really excited to be joining the Titans under Murph (coach Karyn Murphy)," Teagan, 22, said.
"I want to test myself and keep growing as a person and a player and this opportunity allows me to step out of my comfort zone, which I can't wait to do in front of my family and friends in my hometown.
"Making the switch to league has always been on my mind but I wanted to make sure I was able to be all-in and giving 100 per cent to Murph and the rest of my Titans teammates.
"At the start, it looked like I may not have been able to do that juggling my Rugby Australia commitments, but after sitting down with Murph to discuss all the specific details, I am able to make it work and give my all to playing rugby league.
"I've also never been able to represent the Gold Coast before, so to not just do that but be part of a team that creates history winning the first premiership for this region would be a privilege and really excites me.
"I'm really hungry to achieve that joining the Titans this year."
Antoine Dupont of France with Maddison Levi of Australia during the World Rugby Awards. Getty
The Titans have long tried to recruit both sisters to their roster but RA aren't expecting Maddison to exercise her option at this stage.
Maddison, 24, and New Zealand's Jorja Miller are regarded as the two best players in women's sevens.
Tough-tackling Teagan has played in 31 world series tournaments since her debut as an 18-year-old in 2021.
The Titans finished sixth last season and were beaten by the Newcastle Knights in week one of the finals.
"It's a huge coup to have Teagan return to her hometown and join us for the 2026 season," she said.
"She's been on the world stage wearing the green and gold in significant tournaments the past few years and her big-game experience and exposure to high performance environments will be valuable for our upcoming campaign.
Teagan Levi of Australia celebrates victory. Getty
"Already achieving significant individual accolades at such an early stage of her career, we're excited about what Teagan can bring to our squad, and we'll support her to continue developing all areas of her game.
"She's extremely eager to learn and already has a great understanding of the game with rugby league in her DNA - following in her father's footsteps after he (Jason) played for Manly in the 90s.
"I'm looking forward to working with her in the pre-season ahead of round one."
