Australia’s Wallaroos squad for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England has just been announced and it features five players from the Uni‑Norths Owls, representing the club on the global stage as proud ambassadors of Canberra rugby.

Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has assembled a 32-woman squad that expertly blends experience and emerging talent, with a strong contingent of players returning from the previous tournament in 2022 along with fresh faces. Notably, 17-year-old Waiaria Ellis leads the charge of debutants, while seasoned campaigners like Charlotte Caslick, Siokapesi Palu, and Faitala Moleka bring skill and composure under pressure.

Owls Represented in the Squad:

• Faitala Moleka
• Tania Naden
• Siokapesi Palu
• Lydia Ratu Kavoa
• Ashley Fernandez

These five players have been standout contributors for the Owls and the ACT Brumbies, and their presence in the squad highlights the strength of local talent feeding into the national team.

Player Highlights

• Faitala Moleka, just 20 and already 17-cap strong, shines as a versatile playmaker at fly-half or fullback. She scored a try in Australia’s emphatic 36‑5 warm-up win over Wales, showcasing her reliability under pressure.
• Tania Naden, a speedy hooker with a sevens pedigree, brings relentless energy up front and precision at the lineout. A regular for the Brumbies and Owls, her inclusion reflects consistent performances domestically and internationally.
• Siokapesi Palu, named Wallaroos captain despite a recent foot injury, brings experience and leadership. She featured in the previous World Cup and remains a vital presence in midfield for both club and country.
• Lydia Ratu Kavoa has steadily built her international experience with consistent appearances for the Wallaroos and the Brumbies. Adept at the breakdown and transition play, she’s part of the exciting new generation from the ACT.
• Ashley Fernandez rounds out the Owls presence, named in the contracted squad to monitor for national selection. Her versatility and physical presence add valuable depth to the Wallaroos setup.

Ready for England

The Wallaroos will kick off their World Cup campaign in Salford on August 23, facing Samoa, followed by matches against the USA and host nation England. With a squad rich in diversity and resilience, Australia’s women’s rugby program has gathered real momentum. Their final Test before departure was a convincing 36–5 win over Wales at North Sydney Oval, in which Moleka contributed a match-turning score.

Coach Jo Yapp offered her pride in the squad calling it “a very special group of people… diverse in culture and age with tremendous experience”.

Read more here: https://www.rugby.com.au/news/wallaroos-announce-squad-for-rugby-world-cup-2025-202583