Holmes Caps Off Standout Season With Top Honours

By Chelsea Ravizza

Caitlin Holmes capped off an outstanding 2025 season with the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads (BRUC), claiming Best Forward and Players’ Player honours, and proudly accepting the prestigious Don Marshall Shield for Player Contributing Most — a fitting recognition of her commitment both on and off the field.

Caitlin first stepped onto the field in 2018, competing in a Rugby Sevens carnival for the BRUC, before completing her first full season in 2019 with a Townsville-based team. It wasn’t until 2023, following her return to the Burdekin, that she officially joined the Canetoads, and became Captain and Coach of the women’s team.

Her 2025 representative achievements included multiple selections for the Townsville and District Rugby Union Brolgas Team, where she competed at the Queensland Country Championships in June. Caitlin also represented the BRUC in both the Townsville and North Queensland Open Women’s teams. Playing predominantly as a prop — most often in the tight-head position — one of her standout moments of the season was helping the North Queensland side secure victory at the Queensland Country Championships.

“Playing at the rep level is always helpful when trying to further develop skills and be a better player,” said Caitlin.

“Being able to play alongside other talented rugby players definitely helps with improvement, and it’s always nice to then bring what you learn back to the local club level.”

Caitlin’s rugby journey has been marked by sustained excellence. Her career highlights include selection in the 2024 TRUD Women’s Team of the Year, winning the 2023 Player Contributing Most Award, and representing North Queensland in 2021. She has also competed in multiple Queensland Country Rugby Union Championships, been selected for the Women’s Brolgas Team, and consistently earned accolades at club level, including Players’ Player and Best Forward awards with the Canetoads.

Off the field, Caitlin’s commitment to the sport remains strong. In recent years, she has stepped back from coaching to focus on her leadership role as captain, with her father, Rowland Holmes, taking on the coaching position. Guided by his support and experience, Caitlin continues to mentor junior female players, playing an important role in developing the next generation of rugby talent within the Burdekin community.

“My advice would be to not be afraid of giving rugby a go if you’re thinking about it,” said Caitlin.

“As scary as contact sport may seem for some, it’s actually a very fun atmosphere to learn in and becomes quite enjoyable once getting past the initial fears of contact and tackling.”

As Women’s Captain of the Canetoads, Caitlin remains focused on growing the game locally. She is passionate about encouraging more women and teenage girls to join the club, develop their skills, and discover the same love for rugby that has driven her impressive career.

“I’m looking forward to getting back into the season with my teammates - we have a very keen group of players this year, and I am excited to see what everyone can bring to the field,” she said.

“I hope to get more girls and women involved in playing for the BRUC so we can continue to grow and empower future generations of players to come.”

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Caitlin Holmes received the prestigious Don Marshall Shield for Player Contributing Most, Best Forward and Players’ Player honours at BRUC's 2025 Presentation Night. Photo supplied

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