From Daramalan to Dublin: Brooke Gilroy’s Rugby Journey

Daramalan College continues to produce outstanding young athletes, and Brooke Gilroy (Class of 2019) is a wonderful example of how far passion, resilience, and opportunity can take someone. From being part of the College’s 1st Girls’ rugby team to playing overseas, Brooke’s journey reflects the growth of women’s rugby and the strong foundations built during her time at school.
Brooke first began playing rugby in 2017 while still a student at Daramalan. Although she had always been interested in the sport, often inspired by stories from her father about his own rugby experiences, her particular interest was in rugby sevens. When the opportunity arose to join Daramalan’s 1st Girls’ rugby 10s team, Brooke did not hesitate to get involved.
“When the opportunity came up to be part of Daramalan’s 1st Girls’ rugby 10s team, I jumped at it,” she recalls.
Her rugby ability quickly developed, and while still in Year 12, Brooke achieved a significant milestone when she was selected for the Women’s Brumbies squad at just 17 years old. Playing alongside older and more experienced athletes proved to be a valuable learning experience.
“Playing alongside much older and more experienced players taught me a tremendous amount about rugby,” Brooke explains. “Their guidance helped shape me into a better player and person.”
Since graduating, rugby has opened doors Brooke never imagined. The sport has allowed her to travel internationally and connect with people from around the world who share the same passion. She is currently playing rugby overseas for Old Belvedere in Dublin, embracing the opportunity to compete and grow within a global rugby community.
Alongside her sporting ambitions, Brooke has always been drawn to careers that serve others. After finishing school, she began studying nursing, reflecting her interest in emergency services. While her rugby commitments and travel led her to defer her studies for now, she has clear plans for the future. When she returns to Australia, Brooke hopes to join the Australian Army as a medic, combining her passion for service with a challenging and meaningful career.
Throughout her journey, rugby has taught Brooke valuable lessons that extend far beyond the field. One of the most important has been resilience. Coming from a competitive swimming background, she admits that adjusting to the physical demands of rugby and the injuries that sometimes come with it, was a learning curve.
“Learning how to come back from setbacks stronger both mentally and physically has been an invaluable skill,” she says. “It’s something that helps not only in sport but in everyday life as well.”
For young girls who might be considering trying rugby for the first time, Brooke has a simple message: just give it a go.
“Don’t be afraid to try it, even if you’re not looking to play competitively,” she says. “It’s a great way to stay fit, have fun, and challenge yourself. Women’s sport is growing rapidly, and being part of that progress is an amazing experience.”
Above all else, Brooke highlights the community that rugby creates. The friendships and connections built through the sport have been some of the most meaningful parts of her journey.
“Through rugby I’ve gained an incredible group of teammates who have become some of my closest friends,” she says. “The best part about rugby for me is seeing everyone at training. It’s a place where you can leave whatever happened during the day, good or bad, behind you and just have fun with your mates. Training is great and match days are even better.”
Brooke’s story is a fantastic example of the opportunities that sport can create. From helping launch girls’ rugby at Daramalan to playing internationally, her journey continues to inspire the next generation of Daramalan Eagles.