Caslick injury blow hits Wallaroos' World Cup plans

Australia’s Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign has suffered a major setback with star playmaker Charlotte Caslick ruled out of the opening stages due to a broken ankle.

The Wallaroos departed Sydney for England on Monday, but the three-time Olympian was missing from the travelling squad as she recovers from syndesmosis surgery.

Caslick, a 2016 rugby sevens gold medallist, sustained a fractured fibula and ruptured syndesmosis four weeks ago. Although initially included in the World Cup squad, medical advice confirmed she would not be fit for Australia’s first two pool games against Samoa and the USA.

She shared her disappointment on social media, revealing that despite aiming to compress a 10–12 week recovery into six, the decision was made to withdraw her from the opening rounds.

“In sport, sometimes the toughest opponent is time,” Caslick posted. “I’m sad and disappointed to not be in England for the RWC.”

Wallaroos head coach Jo Yapp praised Caslick’s commitment to the 15-a-side game, describing the decision as brave and selfless.

“She embraced the challenge wholeheartedly and has my utmost respect,” Yapp said. “I hope this isn’t the end of her 15s career.”

Despite her absence from the initial 32-player squad, Yapp has not ruled out a late tournament return if the Wallaroos progress to the knockout stages, which begin on September 13.