Desiree Miller among five World Cup Wallaroos re-signed for 2026

Rugby Australia have announced another five re-signings, with try-scoring machines Desiree Miller and Maya Stewart among the Women’s Rugby World Cup stars who have penned new deals. Eva Karpani, Georgina Friedrichs and Waiaria Ellis have also agreed to new contracts for 2026.

Miller started playing rugby during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since established herself as a dangerous flyer on the wing. The 23-year-old scored six tries at her first Rugby World Cup, helping the Wallaroos qualify for the quarter-final stage.

The winger made an appearance in every Wallaroos Test in 2025, crossing for eight tries in those 11 matches. Miller is now one try shy of Stewart’s all-time Wallaroos try-scoring record, which stands at 16 in a gold jersey.

Stewart has spent some time with Australia Sevens after the World Cup, representing Australia A in international invitational matches at the Dubai Sevens. In 15s, the Nelson Bay product has scored 16 tries in just 22 international appearances.

The winger has scored the most tries in Super Rugby Women’s history as well, and was named the Wallaroos Player of the Year in 2024. Stewart scored tries in a record-setting six consecutive Tests, playing a starring role as the Wallaroos took out the WXV 2 title in South Africa.

“Desi’s incredible consistency on the wing has been a standout feature over the past couple of seasons,” General Manager of Women’s Rugby Jilly Collins said.

“She is the only player to have worn the number 11 jersey since the start of the Test season in 2024, a run of 21 consecutive Test matches.

“Her attacking power is undeniable, highlighted by her six tries in just four matches at the Rugby World Cup. I am thrilled to see what the future holds for this star player.

“The re-signing of Maya Stewart is a massive boost for the program,” she added.

“As one of a handful of players targeting the 2029 Rugby World Cup as her third tournament, she brings invaluable experience and professionalism to the squad.

“Her recent success as a key player in the Australia A Sevens team, which won the Women’s International Invitational competition in Dubai, demonstrates her continued development and impact.

“We have no doubt she will continue to shine brightly in the gold jersey.”

Friedrichs made the switch from sevens to 15s in 2019 and has gone on to play 38 Test matches in the gold jersey. The midfielder was a regular in Australia’s midfield during the recent World Cup, lining up against Canada in the quarter-final defeat

At club level, Friedrichs was named the Super Rugby Women’s Player of the Year after impressing during the NSW Waratahs’ run to a second consecutive title earlier this year. Friedrichs is an ever-dangerous playmaker who is reliable on the defensive side of the ball as well.

Karpani is set for her eighth season with the Wallaroos, having surpassed the 40-Test mark during the World Cup. The prop was named the Wallaroos Player of the Year in 2023, and has enjoyed successful stints with the Waratahs and Queensland Reds.

“Eva has cemented her position as one of the most established and influential players in the squad,” Collins said.

“She is treasured by the rugby public in Australia and globally for her powerful, dynamic ball running and it’s great to see her re-commit to the squad.

“Georgina is a model of elite consistency at the top of her game.

“Her commitment is impressive and she repeatedly delivers when needed, which was perfectly underscored by her 2025 Super Rugby Women’s Player of the Year award.

“Despite the strong competition, she has firmly maintained possession of the crucial outside centre jersey and we are delighted she has secured her Wallaroos contract for 2026.”

Ellis debuted for the Wallaroos as a 17-year-old earlier this year and was selected in the World Cup squad, but the teenager didn’t take the field. Along with Stewart, Ellis spent time with the Australia Sevens program and played for Australia A in international invitational matches in Dubai.

“At still only 18 years old, Waiaria’s recommitment to rugby union through 2026 is a great indication of her drive, desire and ambition in the game,” Collins added.

“The 2025 season was a massive year for her, featuring a Wallaroos debut in New Zealand, selection in the Rugby World Cup squad and competing for the Australia A Sevens team in Dubai.

“We are excited for what’s in store and how far she can take her game in 2026.”