Will Cartwright: Perth Success Prediction | Former Electrician

The past seven months have been “unreal” for Will Cartwright, a 22-year-old athlete who has rapidly transitioned from club rugby in Queensland to competing on the global HSBC SVNS series. He is focused on continued success, particularly now that he is competing on Australian soil.

From Electrician to Elite Rugby

Cartwright’s path to professional rugby was unconventional. Until late 2024, he was qualifying as an electrician in Brisbane, working what he described as “crawling around roofs.” He received a call from the Queensland Reds to join their academy, prompting him to dedicate himself fully to rugby, stating, “I just thought, if I don’t do it, I’ll regret it.” He is motivated to avoid returning to work in Queensland’s heat.

Did You Know? Cartwright and teammate Ethan McFarland were both electricians before pursuing professional rugby careers.

A Rapid Rise in the HSBC SVNS Series

Cartwright is one of four men’s players to have made their SVNS debut for Australia this season. He has already made a significant impact, scoring both tries in a 14-0 semi-final victory over France in Dubai and also scoring in a 26-22 gold-medal match defeat to New Zealand. Strong performances in Singapore, with victories over Argentina, Spain, and Great Britain, followed.

The Importance of Opportunity

An invitation to an Australia sevens combined training week, hosted by veteran Henry Hutchison, proved pivotal. Cartwright had previously found form playing on the wing for the Brothers Rugby Club, a Queensland grade outfit, and then the Reds. He described the training week as “high pressure,” noting the intensity of competing against and alongside established World Series players, including Maurice Longbottom and Hutchison himself.

Expert Insight: The rapid progression of players like Cartwright highlights the importance of combine-style events in identifying and developing talent within the HSBC SVNS series. These opportunities provide a direct pathway for athletes from diverse backgrounds to compete at the highest level.

Looking Ahead: Perth and Beyond

Australia is currently fifth in the HSBC SVNS table, eight points behind France and South Africa, following performances in Dubai, Cape Town, and Singapore. Cartwright believes his team “can definitely win” the upcoming tournament in Perth. He also highlighted the potential of younger players like Aden Ekanayake, praising his athleticism and maturity at age 20. Australia has been preparing with extra training and an early-year excursion to Fiji to provide more game experience for its younger players.

Cartwright remembers attending the Gold Coast sevens as a younger fan, watching players like Charlotte Caslick and Henry Hutchison, and described playing in front of a home crowd as a “pinch-me” moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Will Cartwright’s profession before becoming a professional rugby player?

Will Cartwright was an electrician, completing his final exam in late 2024.

Which teams did Australia defeat in Singapore?

Australia defeated Argentina, Spain, and Great Britain in Singapore.

What did Cartwright say about the pressure during the Australia Sevens Combine?

Cartwright said the combine was “very intense” with 10 to 12 players competing for only three or four contracts, describing it as a fight for “the best job in the world.”

Given the competitive nature of the HSBC SVNS series, with eight teams capable of scoring 30 points on any given day, what challenges might Australia face as they pursue victory in Perth?