Five Rugby World Cup Wallaroos re-sign for 2026 campaign

Another five experienced Wallaroos have re-signed with Rugby Australia for the 2026 season, after each playing an important role in the team’s run to the quarter-finals at the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

Emily Chancellor and Piper Duck bring leadership experience back into the national setup, as the team prepares to start a new World Cup cycle. Tania Naden, Cecilia Smith and Adiana Talakai are also expected to play important roles after inking fresh deals.

Chancellor, Duck, Naden, Smith and Talakai have more than 130 Tests of experience between the five of them, and they’ve all gone to two World Cups. Australia reached the quarter-finals in September, losing to eventual finalists Canada at Bristol’s Ashton Gate.

This announcement comes less than one week after Rugby Australia revealed four key forwards have committed to new contracts. Michaela Leonard, Kaitlan Leaney, Brianna Hoy and Ashley Fernandez will be available for Wallaroos selection in 2026.

The Wallaroos started their Rugby World Cup campaign with a 73-0 win over Samoa in Salford, with regular skipper Siokapesi Palu out injured. Chancellor stepped up as a co-captain, sharing those duties with Leaney.

Chancellor returns for an eighth year, while Duck also adds invaluable leadership experience. Duck was once named the Wallaroos captain but didn’t get the chance to lead the team because of injury, later finishing as one of the top tacklers at the recent World Cup.

Naden and Talakai are Australia’s most experienced hookers, and Smith is expected to play a big role in the Wallaroos’ campaign in 2026 following the international retirement of experienced centre Trilleen Pomare.

“Emily is a leader within the Wallaroos squad, her captaincy during the Wales series and at the World Cup was a huge personal achievement and a reflection of her influence,” General Manager of Women’s Rugby, Jilly Collins, said in a statement.

“As one of the most experienced players, she works tirelessly on field and serves as a role model who many young players look up to.

“Tania is a quiet achiever who is deeply admired by her Wallaroos teammates. She brings plenty of experience with 27 caps and is a crucial contributor to our success around the set piece.

“Piper has had a fantastic second half of the season, consistently playing Test matches after battling a tough injury run.

“Her skill levels were clear at the World Cup, where she proved both damaging in attack and a workhorse in defence.

“Cecilia is a valued member of our backline and her Wallaroos Player of the Year nomination in 2025 reflects the key performer she was for us this year.

“We’re looking forward to seeing her continue to contribute and develop her game in this new World Cup cycle.

“Adi enjoyed a successful return to the Wallaroos this season following a knee injury.

“Her three tries at the World Cup were a fantastic reward for her resilience and the hard work she put in to get back into the gold jersey.”