The ARU have just named their squad of 26 players to represent Australia at the Women’s Rugby World Cup later this year. The Wallaroos squad was named on the back of a series of rigorous selection events including the recent completed National Women’s Sevens Championship, the Women’s National Championships, a National Selection camp and a number of satellite camps around the country.
In preparation for the RWC the team will travel to New Zealand in June as part of a Tri-Nations tournament against the might Black Ferns from the host country, as well as Canada. A final squad for the RWC will be selected following the Tri-Nations.
Australian Rugby Union CEO, Bill Pulver said he’s excited about the Wallaroos’ prospects for the World Cup.
“The squad trained hard at the National Selection Camp in Canberra and I’m confident they’ll improve on their third place from the last Women’s Rugby World Cup when they head to France in August,” Mr Pulver said.
“They have an excellent coaching team led by Paul Verrell and the Tri-Nations Test series against New Zealand and Canada will be the perfect preparation on their quest for World Cup glory.
“The Australian Rugby community will certainly be cheering hard at every stage of their path to Paris.”
Australia looking to get on top of New Zealand once again.
Head Coach Paul Verrell said he and his team were very impressed with the commitment and training of all the players at the National Selection Camp.
“After a careful and considered process we have chosen this squad to take us not only to the Tri-Nations but bring us success at the IRB Women’s World Cup. I’m confident they have the potential to go better than their third place in 2010 and we have every intention of doing so,” he said.
The squad includes representative players from right across the country and the Australian Services Rugby Union.
QLD – 5
NSW – 10
ACT – 2
WA – 3
VIC – 2
ASRU – 4
NSW Representative Tui Ormsby from the Warringah Rats Rugby Club will run out for her fourth World Cup when she represents Australia in Paris.
“I’m very excited about getting to represent Australia potentially in a fourth World Cup. My journey in the 2010 World Cup ended prematurely due to injury so I’m really excited to get out there again and make the most of this opportunity.
“We have got a long road ahead of us but the feeling and sense of camaraderie at the National Selection camp was fantastic and I’m confident we will make everyone proud of the Wallaroos this year”.
The Wallaroos squad is as follows:
* denotes uncapped players.
Wallaroos dates:
Tri Nations Training Camp, 28-29 May, Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabeen.
Tri-Nations Tournament, team travels on May 30 to New Zealand.
World Cup Training Camp, 21-27 July Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabeen.
The IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup commences on August 1.
The Wallaroos have France, South Africa and Wales in their World Cup pool.
Green and Gold Rugby will have Head Coach Paul Verrell on our podcast next week to talk about the squad and the Wallaroos journey to the World Cup, so if you have any questions or comments, leave them below.
