'I'm still speechless': Bone excited for Wallaroos debut

Growing up Lily Bone knew that she wanted to represent Australia on the world’s biggest stage.

This weekend the lock forward is one of six players in line to make their Test debut against Fiji at the start of a new Women’s Rugby World Cup cycle.

Only 21, Bone marries her time on the pitch with nursing studies and enjoyed a strong 2025 season with the ACT Brumbies in Super Rugby W last term.

For New South Wales native, Bone, there was plenty of emotion upon finding out that she will make her Wallaroos debut in Canberra.

“I’m still speechless,” Bone said. “I had a bit of a cry on the phone with my family last night.

“I could just imagine little Lily just jumping up and down with joy because I said to my family growing up that I wanted to play for Australia, or play in the Olympics, or do something to represent my country.

“I played rugby my whole life, so I don’t know [what other sport I would represent Australia in]. Maybe hockey. I did say one time in school I’d give hockey a crack.

“So I know little me would just be in awe of what I’ve achieved and how far I’ve come.”

In his first game as interim head coach, Sam Needs has named six potential debutants for their Test with the Fijiana.

Bone is one of that cohort, while Sidney Taylor, Piper Simons, Brittany Merlo, Brooklyn Teki-Joyce and Nicole Lexington could also earn their maiden international appearances.

This weekend’s clash with Fiji in Canberra will be the Wallaroos’ first since the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup and the team’s first step on the road to a home Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029.

After this weekend’s Test at GIO Stadium, Australia will travel to the USA to play Pacific Four Series matches against Canada and the Eagles before concluding the tournament on the Sunshine Coast against the Black Ferns.