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‘Rollercoaster ride’: Nicole Ledington’s path to ‘surreal’ Wallaroos debut
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New Wallaroos fly-half Nicole Ledington had a debut to remember in a 33-15 win over Fijiana last month in Canberra, setting the tone early with some individual brilliance to score the opener in the team’s first match of the 2026 season.
Ledington is now in the United States of America with the Wallaroos squad, preparing to kick off their Pacific Four Series campaign against 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup runners-up Canada at Heart Health Park, Sacramento.
If 12 months ago you had told Ledington what the future had in store, the Western Force product wouldn’t have believed you. The New Zealand-born playmaker was in and out of the Force run-on side last season, and at one stage had to “park rugby for a little bit” to focus on university
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After graduating with a Bachelor of Primary Education, Ledington was called into Wallaroos camp in late 2025. The 22-year-old earned a national contract and was later named to start against Fiji at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.
“It was a surreal debut I think. Obviously going into the debut, into that game, I wanted to just go out and do my job for the team,” Ledington told reporters.
“For it turn out that way and get the win with the girls, it was awesome… being able to build on that confidence, to take into Canada who we know are a really good side, it’ll be awesome to build on that.
“It’s been a rollercoaster ride. I’ve been playing Super W for a few years now and I was lucky at the end of last year to go over and train at the end of November, December.
“Going into that camp, I didn’t have many expectations, just wanted to go in and do the best I could and then was lucky enough after that camp to be offered a contract.
“To be standing here in the States with one cap under my belt, I wouldn’t have thought that even a year ago.”
Ledington made a near immediate impact in the No. 10 jersey for the Wallaroos, scoring the first points of the Fiji Test in the 13th minute. The debutant took the line on, threw a dummy and then showcased some fast feet to beat any and all defenders to the try line.
With a smile, Ledington dove over for the score and was immediately swarmed by teammates Bridie O’Gorman and Piper Duck. O’Gorman, captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona, Maya Stewart and Desiree Miller also scored a try each in the 18-point victory.
“Going into that game, my main focus was just to do my job for the team,” Ledington reflected.
“To get the try on debut, it wasn’t even something I considered but the opportunity just showed itself and I took it.
“You can take real confidence with that and for the team to go into Canada this week and bring what we had there and only just build on top of that.”
Following that win over Fiji, the Wallaroos flew to the United States for their opening match of the Pacific Four Series. It’s the first time Ledington has visited the USA, with the team set to face Test rugby giants Canada this weekend.
Canada secured a second-place finish at the 2025 Rugby World Cup, losing to hosts England in front of a record crowd at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. During their run to the big dance, Canada got the better of the Wallaroos in the quarter-finals.
“They are a good side and you can’t take credit away from that.
“But I think our focus this week has been on us and what can we take out from that Fiji Test and what can we build for that Canada Test?
“At this stage, we’re focusing more on ourselves and what can we do to beat them.
“We know Canada are a really physical team so we’ll have to bring that this week, but I also think as we’ve had a few camps together, our connection is starting to build and we’re starting to understand each other.”
