GOLD Coast sisters Maddi and Teagan Levi have accepted full-time contracts with the Australian Rugby Women's program, and will sit out the upcoming NAB AFLW season.

Maddi recently represented Australia at the Tokyo Olympics, while Teagan has been a member of the Australian under-18 side.

Teagan was recently drafted to the Suns with pick No.6, and was heavy favourite to go at No.1 before Charlie Rowbottom nominated the Queensland draft pool.

The sisters had previously been combining both sports, and the dynamic pair are powerful and athletic runners, with Maddi playing up forward and Teagan in the midfield.

"Teagan and I are both extremely grateful for the opportunity the Gold Coast Suns have given us and appreciate the support they have shown towards us pursuing our sporting endeavours both in AFLW and other codes," Maddison said. 

"We love playing AFLW and I’ve loved playing for the Suns and I know we’re both looking forward to kicking the footy again in the future."

LOCK IT IN AFLW season start pushed back until January

Gold Coast head of women's football Fiona Sessarago said the club would sign replacement players in the coming days.

"Although we’re disappointed to lose both Maddi and Teagan next year, as a club we endeavour to be 100 per cent supportive of our players and their ambitions both on and off the sporting field," Sessarago said.

"Last AFLW season we were able to accommodate Maddi’s desire to participate in both sports, with her strong AFLW campaign preparing her for Australian Olympic selection.

"We have tried to provide every opportunity for the players to continue to pursue both sports at the elite level so it’s disappointing that flexibility hasn’t been reciprocated.

"We wish them both the best of luck for their aspirations to take part in next year’s Commonwealth Games and both girls will always be welcome to pull on the red and gold again in the future."