Australia name Women's Rugby World Cup squad

Australia have named a 32-player squad for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup, set to begin in England later this month.

The squad features 17 players who were part of the previous World Cup held in New Zealand in 2021, showcasing a blend of experience and youth.

Charlotte Caslick, who transitioned from the Sevens circuit, has been included despite recovering from an ankle injury. Caslick’s selection brings significant international experience and leadership to the side.

Among the new faces is uncapped winger Caitlin Urwin, the only player yet to debut for the Wallaroos. Teenagers Caitlyn Halse, 18, and Waiaria Ellis, 17, have also earned spots, highlighting the team's commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

Head coach Jo Yapp expressed pride in the selection, saying, “We are very proud of the squad and the journey the players and staff have been on for the past two years to get to this point.

"We have a very special group of people within this squad, diverse in culture and a range of ages and levels of experience in the game.”

Australia reached the quarter-finals in the previous edition of the tournament, where they were eliminated by England, who went on to finish as runners-up. This time, Australia is placed in a tough Pool A, which includes heavyweights England and the United States.

The Wallaroos will begin their campaign against Samoa on August 23 in Salford. They will then face the USA in York on August 30, followed by a high-stakes clash against England in Brighton on September 6.

Australia squad

Forwards: Katalina Amosa , Bree-Anna Browne , Annabelle Codey , Emily Chancellor , Piper Duck , Ashley Fernandez , Brianna Hoy , Asoiva Karpani , Lydia Kavoa , Kaitlan Leaney , Michaela Leonard , Ashley Marsters , Tania Naden , Bridie O'Gorman , Siokapesi Palu , Faliki Pohiva , Adiana Talakai , Tabua Tuinakauvadra

Backs: Charlotte Caslick , Lori Cramer , Waiaria Ellis , Georgina Friedrichs , Caitlyn Halse , Tia Hinds , Desiree Miller , Faitala Moleka , Layne Morgan , Trilleen Pomare , Cecilia Smith , Maya Stewart , Caitlin Urwin , Samantha Wood