13 internationally capped players named in Western Force squad for 2026

13 internationally capped players have been named in the Western Force squad for the upcoming Super Rugby Women’s season, following the recent re-signing of legendary Wallaroos centre Trilleen Pomare earlier this week.

The Force announced on Tuesday that Pomare had put pen to paper on a new deal with the Force, with the Wallaroos great one of five midfielders in the squad. Atawahai Hotene, Ngamihi Monk, Cecilia Smith and Kylah-Rey Tuheke Kupa will also compete for starting spots.

In the outside backs, Aiysha Wigley is back in the mix after two years on the sidelines with a knee injury. The Wanneroo fullback has been selected in the back three group with Adi Vani Buleki, Halley Derera, Teiana Mainwaring, Ella Pietsch and Brooklyn Teki-Joyce.

Rounding out the forwards are the halves, which includes recent Wallaroos starters Samantha Wood and Nicole Ledington. Wood has been a regular starter for the national team at scrum-half since the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

Ledington debuted for the Wallaroos in a 33-15 win over Fijiana last month, with the playmaker crossing for the opening try of the Test. After a series of starts during the Pacific Four Series, the fly-half shifted to the bench for last weekend’s clash with the Black Ferns.

Michaela Leonard headlines the forwards, having recently become the Wallaroos all-time leader in appearances. Leonard wore Wallaroos gold for the 46^th time on Saturday, going on clear of the previous record held by Ashley Marsters.

Nami Dickson, Sera Naiqama, Seina Saito, Anneka Stephens, Kahurangi Sturmey, Sofaia Talemaira, Pia Tapsell and Taylor Waterson cover either lock or the backrow.

Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke and Zoe Elliot are two players to watch in the front row. Katalina Amosa, Chiharu Nezuka, Alapeta Ngauamo, Hannah Palelei, Allana Sikimeti and Braxton Walker are other options to line up in the front row.

Western Force squad for 2026 Super Rugby Women’s

Forwards

Front-rowers

Katalina Amosa, Zoe Elliott, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Chiharu Nezuka, Alapeta Ngauamo, Hannah Palelei, Allana Sikimeti, Braxton Walker

Lock/back-rowers

Nami Dickson, Michaela Leonard, Sera Naiqama, Seina Saito, Anneka Stephens, Kahurangi Sturmey, Sofaia Talemaira, Pia Tapsell, Taylor Waterson

Backs

Halves

Ai Dickson, Grace Freeman, Nicole Ledington, Sammy Wood

Midfield

Atawhai Hotene, Ngamihi Monk, Trilleen Pomare, Cecilia Smith, Kylah-Rey Tuheke Kupa

Back three

Adi Vani Buleki, Halley Derera, Teiana Mainwaring, Ella Pietsch, Brooklyn Teki-Joyce, Aiysha Wigley