Rugby Australia unveils NextGen XVs in major women’s pathway investment

Rugby Australia has unveiled a historic investment into the women’s high performance pathway ahead of the home 2029 Rugby World Cup and the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, including a NextGen XVs program and new High Performance Player Agreements.

This announcement, with the support of the Australian Rugby Foundation, marks a momentous shift in how the nation identifies, develops and retains the next generation of female athletes before these showpiece events.

RA has found success with the NextGen 7s pathway, with several players graduating from that program into the Australia Sevens side. Maddison Levi, Teagan Levi, Kaitlan Shave and Isabella Nasser are among those who have come through the competition onto the HSBC SVNS Series.

The governing body is looking to build on that success with the NextGen XVs at both under-16 and under-19 levels. RA will work with member unions and Super Rugby clubs to increase female participation, while using established pathways to identify talent.

Two under-19 teams will play their first match on September 12, before taking the field a few weeks later on October 3. There will be an under-16 development camp, before they play on that same date in early October.

RA will also directly contract more than 20 high potential young female athletes in 2026. These High Performance Player Agreements will allow players to focus more on their development and closing the gap between the pathways and senior rugby.

“This landmark step is only possible thanks to the incredible generosity of the donors through the Australian Rugby Foundation,” Jilly Collins, General Manager of Women’s High Performance and Competitions, said.

“We are grateful for their belief in the women’s game, their investment is the catalyst that allows us to launch the NextGen XVs and provide direct financial support to our brightest stars.

“By creating a high-performance environment where our athletes have the resources to thrive, these donors are directly shaping the future of the Wallaroos and Australian Sevens teams as we look toward 2029 and beyond.”

The Wallaroos started their 2026 international season with a 33-15 win over Fijiana at Canberra’s GIO Stadium late last month. Debutant Nicole Ledington scored the first points of the afternoon, while captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona are also among the try-scorers.

Australia will kick off their Pacific Four Series campaign this weekend against 2025 Rugby World Cup runners-up Canada in the United States. The Wallaroos faced the world no. 2 during the quarter-finals in Bristol last September.

“This is exactly the type of investment the Australian Rugby Foundation exists to deliver, and a clear reflection of our commitment to the women’s game,” Holly Kelsall, General Manager, Australian Rugby Foundation, explained.

“We work closely with Rugby Australia to identify where funding can have the greatest impact and mobilise philanthropic support to make it happen.

“The launch of NextGen XVs and High Performance Player Agreements are tangible outcomes of that work, strengthening the pathway for the next generation of female athletes.”

Lachlan Parkinson, Head of Women’s Pathways, added: “The NextGen XVs is about more than just matches, it is about building a sustainable pipeline of talent.

“By aligning our youth development and retention strategies, we are ensuring that every talented young player has a clear, supported journey toward our Teams in Gold.

“This program provides the specialised coaching and competitive environment necessary to prepare them for the rigours of international rugby.”