Wallaroos set for ‘valuable challenge’ against world’s best Red Roses

The Wallaroos will test themselves against “the best team in the world” during the new-look WXV Global Series in September, set to face defending Rugby World Cup winners England at CorpAcq Stadium in Salford.

Australia faced England in the final round of pool play at last year’s Rugby World Cup, leading the world’s top-ranked side for most of the first half at Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium. While the Red Roses ultimately claimed the win, the Wallaroos still did enough to qualify for the quarters.

It didn’t get any easier for the Wallaroos at the showpiece event, taking on eventual World Cup runners-up Canada at Bristol’s Ashton Gate. Desiree Miller crossed for a try early on but the women in gold were knocked out of the tournament that afternoon.

That was coach Jo Yapp’s final Test in charge of the Wallaroos, who are now preparing to usher in a new era under interim boss Sam Needs. Australia play their first Test of 2026 this week, playing Fijiana at Canberra’s GIO Stadium on Friday.

Ahead of that Test, it’s been confirmed the Wallaroos will take on the Red Roses later this year in Salford, which is where they opened their World Cup campaign against Samoa. This will be the first of the Wallaroos’ three Tests in the Northern Hemisphere.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to face the Red Roses, the reigning World Champions, back in England following the historic 2025 Rugby World Cup,” General Manager of Women’s High Performance Jilly Collins said.

“There’s also a good sense of continuity in returning to CorpAcq Stadium in Salford, where we faced the Manusina during the tournament.

“The Wallaroos loved their time in Salford and Manchester last year and it’s great to be headed back.

“Testing ourselves against the best team in the world is vital for our growth and will be a valuable challenge for the group.”

Wallaroos Test schedule for 2026

March 27: Wallaroos v Fijiana at GIO Stadium, Canberra – 4:55pm AEDT (Vuvale Bowl)

April 11: Canada v Wallaroos at Heart Health Park, Sacramento, USA – 12:00pm AEST (Pacific Four series)

April 17:  USA v Wallaroos at CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, USA – 11:00am AEST (Pacific Four series)

April 25: Wallaroos v New Zealand at Sunshine Coast Stadium – 7:45pm AEST (Pacific Four series/O’Reilly Cup)

August 22: New Zealand v Wallaroos at Go Media Stadium, Auckland (O’Reilly Cup)

WXV Global Series

September 13: England v Wallaroos at CorpAcq Stadium, Salford – 12:00am AEST

September 19: WXV Global series away Test – TBC

September 26: WXV Global series away Test – TBC

October 17: Wallaroos v Scotland home Test – TBC

October 23: Wallaroos v Scotland home Test – TBC