Queensland Reds name exciting new-look Super Rugby Women’s squad

Former Wallaroos winger Ivania Wong and dual-code star Shalom Sauaso headline a long list of players who have left the Queensland Reds, with the club unveiling a new-look squad ahead of the Super Rugby Women’s season.

Wong was named the Super Rugby Women’s Player of the Year after helping the Reds finish third in the 2022 season, but the outside back will line up for the ACT Brumbies during the upcoming campaign from June to August.

The Reds have revealed the 16 players who have left the women’s side, including New Zealand-born Wallaroos playmaker Carys Ballinger who has joined Chiefs Manawa in Super Rugby Aupiki across the ditch.

Layne Morgan, Fayth Manera, Nat Wright, Carola Kreis, Charli Jacoby, Cristo Taufua, Ariana Hira, Jiowana Sauto, Maraea Tupai, Melanie Wilks, Michelle Curry, Renae Nona and Sky-Yvette Faimalie have all been farewelled by the Reds.

But there’s also a sense of excitement and opportunity with the Queensland side, with the club announcing the 26-player squad this week. Lori Cramer returns after a stint overseas, bolstering a roster that includes exciting prospects like Akira Kelly and Charity Wightman-Beaven.

France international Margaux Duces is an option at scrum-half, with Sarah Dougherety and Evie Sampson also competing for a starting role. Former Ipswich Jets rugby league representative Kelly and 18-year-old fly-half Wightman-Beaven are other backline options.

Uncapped Wallaroos winger Caitlan Urwin, who went to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup with the national team, and Piper Flynn are wingers in the squad.

In the forwards, Jordan Neal and Ella Hopper bring experience to the front row, while Wallaroo Tiarah Minns is among the options at lock. Recently capped Wallaroos Tiarna Molloy and Dillyn Blackburn are other players to watch in the forwards.

“As with any season, there has been a pretty big turnover of names. What I do like is that we have done well to identify local talent and got some real plusses out of integration with the Next Gen 7s program,” coach Andrew Fraser said.

“Bond University is a powerhouse in women’s rugby and there are a number of women who come to the Reds with that strong mentality.

“We have signed five forwards with ADF backgrounds (Neal, Hopper, Ross, Sarah Riordan and Bree-Anna Browne). All five have unique skills but collectively they bring something extra with the standards for our program, the camaraderie, the discipline and selflessness.

“Our two newest Wallaroos, Dillyn and (centre) Ava Wereta, will be strong for us in key positions and there are conversations ongoing around adding players from the Australian sevens program.

“These players hold no fears. I know that. As coaches, it’s about unleashing them at their potential.

“One of the strong aspects of 2025 was the team being united and having a sense of harmony and enjoyment through the season. We want to keep that and push our rugby playing abilities further.”

Queensland Reds squad for 2026 Super Rugby Women’s

Akira Kelly | Bond University

Aroha Spillane | University of Queensland

Ava Wereta | Bond University

Bree-Anna Browne | Brothers

Caitlin Urwin | University of Queensland

Charity Wightman-Beaven | University of Queensland

Deni Ross | Brothers

Dillyn Blackburn | Wests

Ella Hopper | Brothers

Evie Sampson | Bond University

Hayley Glass | University of Queensland

Jemma Bemrose | Bond University

Jordan Neal | Brothers

Kaelyn Passi | Bond University

Lori Cramer | University of Queensland

Lucy Thorpe | Bond University

Margaux Duces | GPS

Matauimalo Malele Lafeta | University of Queensland

Piper Flynn | Easts

Sarah Riordan | Brothers

Sarah Dougherty | GPS

Tiarah Minns | University of Queensland

Tiarna Molloy | Brothers

Vineta Teutau | Brothers

Zoe Hanna | Bond University

Zophronia Setu | Sunnybank