Five standout players from Canberra’s Uni-Norths Owls have been named in the Wallaroos squad for the upcoming Test against Fijiana, highlighting the club’s growing influence on the national stage.

 

Lydia Kavoa, Ashley Fernandez, Faitala Moleka, Tania Naden, and Siokapesi Palu have all earned selection in coach Jo Yapp’s 30-player squad, announced following a four-day training camp in Canberra.

 

Siokapesi Palu: From Flanker to Leader

Siokapesi Palu’s journey to the Wallaroos captaincy is a testament to her adaptability and leadership. Originally playing as a centre, Palu transitioned to the back row in 2023, embracing the flanker role with determination. Her efforts culminated in her appointment as the 18th captain of the Wallaroos in 2024, leading the team against Ireland in Belfast.

 

Palu’s leadership and on-field prowess were further recognised when she was named Super Rugby Women’s Player of the Year in 2024. Her physicality, work rate, and calmness under pressure will be crucial assets for the Wallaroos moving forward.

 

Emerging Talents: Fernandez and Moleka

Ashley Fernandez and Faitala Moleka represent the next generation of Wallaroos talent. Both players have demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment at the club and Super W levels, earning them places in the national squad. Fernandez’s dynamic play in the backline and Moleka’s versatility across multiple positions have caught the eye of selectors, signalling a bright future for Australian women’s rugby.

 

Experienced Campaigners: Naden and Kavoa

Tania Naden brings a wealth of experience to the squad, having previously represented the Wallaroos. A strong and skilful hooker, her leadership and set-piece expertise will be vital as the team prepares for a busy international season.
Lydia Kavoa, known for her consistent performances and toughness in the forwards, earns her call-up on the back of a strong Super W campaign. Her selection reflects her growing reputation as a dependable and powerful presence in the pack.

 

Uni-Norths Owls: A Breeding Ground for Excellence

The selection of five players from the Uni-Norths Owls is a significant achievement and highlights the club’s reputation for developing top-tier rugby talent. Their progression from club rugby to the international stage is a shining example of the strength of Canberra’s rugby pathways and will inspire a new generation of players coming through the ranks.

 

Looking Ahead

The Wallaroos will face Fijiana in Suva on 3 May, kicking off a crucial period leading into the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. Following the Fijiana Test, the Wallaroos will contest the Pacific Four Series, with matches against New Zealand, the USA and Canada. These fixtures will be pivotal for building combinations and fine-tuning the squad ahead of the World Cup campaign.

 

For the Uni-Norths Owls, having five players in the national squad is a source of immense pride and reflects the club’s growing contribution to Australian rugby. As the Wallaroos take their next steps, the performances of Kavoa, Fernandez, Moleka, Naden, and Palu will be watched closely by fans and selectors alike.