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Wallaroos lock in four uncapped talents for start of new World Cup cycle
By Finn Morton
As the Wallaroos look ahead to the start of a new four-year Women’s Rugby World Cup cycle, Rugby Australia has announced four promising signings to the national contracted squad for the 2026 international season.
After announcing some significant contract news in recent weeks, with captain Siokapesi Palu and team leaders Michalea Leonard putting pen to paper on fresh deals, four uncapped talents have committed to the Wallaroos.
World Cup squad member Caitlin Urwin, ACT Brumbies duo of Lily Bone and Ella Ryan, and Western Force’s Brooklyn Teki-Joyce will join the Wallaroos program.
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Ryan returned to rugby union in 2025 after a stint in the NRLW with the Canberra Raiders over two seasons. The playmaker has previously represented Australia at Global Youth Sevens and the Brumbies in the Next Gen Sevens competition.
Urwin travelled to the World Cup with the Wallaroos but didn’t take the field, with the outside back looking ahead to potentially debuting at Test level in 2026. Bone and Ryan were both part of extended Australian squads this year.
Teki-Joyce has been rewarded for some strong form for the Western Force in Super Rugby Women’s and for Australia A, joining the Wallaroos set-up for the first time.
At just 20 years of age, Bone has also showed signs of promise, having debuted for the Brumbies in Super Rugby Women’s earlier this year.
“Securing the next generation of players is an important part of the Wallaroos’ planning as we look ahead to the next World Cup cycle,” General Manager of Women’s Rugby, Jilly Collins, said in a statement.
“Caitlin has shown impressive commitment and high potential this year after strong performances for the Reds and Australia A.
“She earned her place in the Rugby World Cup squad and played an important role in England while gaining valuable experience.
“We certainly believe in her future and this 2026 agreement provides her the clear opportunity to achieve her first Test cap.
“Lily joined us midway through the year, participating in training camps to assist the Wallaroos’ preparation for the World Cup,” Collins explained.
“She demonstrated her talent while playing for Australia A in June and has been identified as a player with significant future potential within the national program.
“Ella is a confident and dynamic player who is highly regarded by coaches and peers,” Collins said.
“She had a solid season with the ACT Brumbies and was consistently integrated into Wallaroos training camps throughout the year.
“We believe she will go to another level in the Wallaroos program in 2026,” she added.
The Wallaroos will announce their Test schedule for the 2026 season in December.
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