'Try once': Aussie convert explains switch from Black Ferns ahead of Test

Pia Tapsell has no qualms about being in the Wallaroos squad, despite growing up in New Zealand and playing Test rugby for Australia’s bitter rivals.

Tapsell became one of the few women’s international rugby union players to switch allegiances after she named in the Australian squad to face the Black Ferns in Auckland on Saturday.

It’s the first time the Wallaroos have experienced a player swap from a tier-one nation, although the Wallabies notably had prop Alex Hodgman play for the green and gold in 2024 after switching from the All Blacks.

World Rugby has strict guidelines for athletes who want to change allegiances, insisting they can’t compete in international rugby for three years, must have a direct birthright link, and can only make the change once.

Despite Tapsell playing rugby in New Zealand since she was eight years old, the Western Force forward was born in Melbourne.

“In the past couple of years over in the Force, when everyone found out I was born in Australia, everyone kind of made it a bit of a joke,” Tapsell said.

“Being approached was definitely not something I was expecting, but obviously being born in Australia it was probably bound to be raised at some point.

“It (Test rugby) was always something that I really wanted to get back to. I probably never thought I’d have that chance again, so when the opportunity came up, it was not really something you can say no to.”

Tapsell played six Tests for the Black Ferns between 2019 and 2020, including a 47-10 mauling of the Wallaroos, before a flurry of injuries stalled her momentum.

Ahead of the 2024 Super W season, the forward signed a contract with the Force and has remained at the West Australian club.

“My first priority was getting my physical and mental wellbeing right and enjoying playing rugby again, and playing rugby without any expectations … that’s ultimately what allowed me to play more freely and just enjoy myself,” Tapsell said.

“Lots of people come over to Australia, new opportunities, fresh starts, and that was something that I wanted to allow myself to at least try once.”

Whether the 28-year-old plays for the Wallaroos depends on if she is selected by the team’s transitional coaching staff, ahead of former Scotland mentor Sione Fukofuka’s arrival in 2027.

Tapsell wouldn’t be drawn into questions about whether Fukofuka had spoken to the Australians since he sought an early release from Scotland for compassionate reasons, before announcing the surprise move.

But Tapsell would love the chance to add more spice to the trans-Tasman rivalry, as the Wallaroos look to beat New Zealand for the first time.