Teen sensation Caitlyn Halse confirms PWR club move

Teenage Wallaroos star Caitlyn Halse will play for Leicester Tigers in Premiership Women’s Rugby in the 2026/27 season.

The 19-year-old, who has won 16 caps for her country, will join from the NSW Waratahs ahead of the new PWR season.

She is the fourth Australian to commit her future to Tigers after fellow Wallaroo Tabua Tuinakauvadra and Western Force pair Halley Derera and Grace Freeman.

Halse was a revelation at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Starting full-back for Jo Yapp’s team, the teen played in all four of her country’s fixtures at the tournament and scored four tries – including a 31-31 draw with the USA in the group stages.

Fraser Goatcher, Leicester Tigers’ Director of Rugby, said: “Caitlyn is one of the up and coming superstars in world rugby, so to have 16 caps at age 19 speaks to the player she is. She was one of the stars of the World Cup last year, she’s got multi-threat to her game.

“She can kick, she can run, she can pass, she can do everything extremely well and we’re super excited for her to be in the Leicester Tigers jersey.”

Halse said: “I’m incredibly excited to join Leicester and become part of the environment and programme they are building.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to develop as both a player and a person, learn and challenge myself in a highly competitive competition while continuing to play and grow my game.”

Leicester have also announced the recruitment of Wales international Abbie Fleming. The lock and back-row forward joins from PWR rivals Harlequins.

The 30-year-old made 10 appearances for the West Londoners in the 2025/26 campaign. Fleming has not added to her collection of 32 Test caps since Wales’ loss to Fiji at last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Goatcher said: “Abbie is somebody who is incredibly physical, we’re really looking forward to seeing what she’s going to add to our defence but also her attacking prowess as well.

“She’s got a great skillset so we’re really looking forward to seeing what she brings.”