Wallaroos hopefuls handed ‘fantastic opportunity’ ahead of World Cup

Wallaroos hopefuls will have another chance to push for selection ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, with Rugby Australia announcing an Australia A side will take on Samoa at Canberra’s Viking Park on June 28.

With support from the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program, this fixture will take place less than three months out from the World Cup, making this an incredibly important marker for both teams ahead of the showpiece event.

The Wallaroos, who claimed their first major trophy in team history last year by winning WXV 2 in South Africa, will open their tournament against Samoa before also facing Ilona Maher’s USA and hosts England during pool play.

While the Wallaroos have already played four Test matches in 2025, including wins over Fijiana and then the USA during the Pacific Four Series, this Australia A match will be another opportunity for those selected to stake their claim for higher honours.

Australia A played Samoa at Apia Stadium last September, with a late penalty goal securing a 20-17 win for Manusina. Ruby Anderson was among the standouts in that fixture, and the youngster has since gone on debut for the Wallaroos.

“After a highly successful event last year, the Australia A clash with Manusina returns to the calendar ahead of a critical period for both nations ahead of the Rugby World Cup,” General Manager of Women’s Rugby, Jilly Collins, said in a statement.

“Once again, this match would not be possible without the great support of the Australian government through the PacificAus Sports partnership.

“The Australia A fixture is a fantastic opportunity for players on the cusp of national selection either this year or in future years to have a taste of the international arena, while experienced players also have an opportunity to push for higher selection.

“Players like Faliki Pohiva, Martha Fua, and Ruby Anderson have all debuted for the Wallaroos under Jo Yapp this year after featuring in last year’s fixture.”

The Australia A side to take on Samoa’s Manusina will be announced two days before the match on June 26. Entry into Viking Park in Canberra will be free.

An extended Wallaroos squad assembled in Canberra on Monday. It’s the first of two training blocks this month before taking on New Zealand’s Black Ferns at Wellington’s Sky Stadium on July 12.

Australia will also host Wales in two fixtures before heading up north for the World Cup, which begins on August 22 and ends on September 27. The Wallaroos will play matches during the pool stage in Manchester, York and Brighton.