New Zealand-born fly-half among six handed Wallaroos national contracts

New Zealand-born fly-half Nicole Ledington is one of six Wallaroos Test hopefuls rewarded with national contracts for the 2026 international season. Ledington was unveiled in December as a key re-signing for the Western Force, ahead of the upcoming Super Rugby Women’s campaign.

Queensland Reds trio Dilyn Blackburn, Evie Sampson and Ava Wereta have been added to the Wallaroos’ Managed Group along with NSW Waratahs back Amelia Whitaker, and Force duo Ngamihi Monk and Ledington.

Ledington began playing rugby as a teenager in Perth and has gone on to become an important member of the Force’s starting lineup. The New Zealander has played 20 Super Rugby Women’s matches during her career, including an appearance in every match last season.

Monk is another product of Western Australia’s rugby pathways, with the Force announcing the centre signed with the club on December 12, 2024. The midfielder debuted in Super Rugby Women’s last season and has now been rewarded with a national contract.

Blackburn is the captain of the Wests Bulldogs in Queensland’s premier competition, with the loose forward entering the professional ranks as a debutant with the Reds last season. Teammates Sampson and Wereta have been added to the Managed Group as well.

Whitaker is the sole member of the Waratahs included in this six-player signing announcement. The outside back debuted in sky blue last season, with the Waratahs going on to win Super Rugby Women’s, defeating the Reds in the decider.

“It is fantastic to officially welcome these six players into the Wallaroos program,” General Manager of Women’s Rugby Jilly Collins said in a statement.

“Dillyn, Evie, Ava, Nicole and Ngamihi all showed great application and a clear commitment to the standards we are setting during our December camp.

“They’ve earned this opportunity through the genuine progress they’ve made.

“Amelia joins following an impressive debut Waratahs season and strong performances within the National Sevens environment and Australia A Sevens program.

“Her inclusion is a testament to her versatility and elite potential.”

The Wallaroos will assemble for a couple of camps next month, as they prepare for the opening match of the new Rugby World Cup cycle. They kick off their season against Fijiana at Canberra’s GIO Stadium on March 27.