Gloucester Hartpury recruit 'impressive' Wallaroos prop

Gloucester Hartpury have confirmed the signing of “impressive” Wallaroos tighthead Bridie O’Gorman ahead of the 2026/27 JAECOO Premiership Women’s Rugby season.

The NSW Waratahs prop, who has won 43 caps for Australia, only took up rugby at the age of 19 while studying at Sydney University. A year later she was in the first-ever Waratahs squad and made her Test debut in 2022 against Fiji.

She has since represented the Wallaroos at two Women’s Rugby World Cups and arrives at Kingsholm having won seven Super Rugby Women’s titles.

Dan Murphy, Gloucester Hartpury head of rugby, said: “Bridie is a fantastic addition to Gloucester Hartpury and someone we believe will have a really positive impact on our squad. She has built an impressive career in a relatively short space of time, having only started playing rugby at 19, and her journey through the Waratahs and into the Wallaroos speaks volumes about her ability and work ethic.

“From a rugby perspective, Bridie is a set-piece specialist and will add to our forward pack with her international experience. We’re really excited to welcome Bridie to Gloucester Hartpury and see what she can bring to the group.”

The 27-year-old will join Gloucester Hartpury at the conclusion of Australia’s WXV Global Series campaign. In September the Wallaroos lost to England and France, but ended their European tour on a high with a 30-10 victory against Scotland.

This month, the Wallaroos will host Scotland on back-to-back weekends in Sydney and Canberra as the team aim to finish their year on a high.

O’Gorman said: “Having played rugby in Australia throughout my career, the opportunity to experience a different competition, environment and style of rugby was something that sparked my interest.

“Gloucester Hartpury has a great reputation for competing at the highest level within the JAECOO PWR, so it felt like a really exciting fit for me. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in, meeting the girls and coaches, and contributing to the team both on and off the field. I’m excited to see what this next chapter brings.”