Rugby Australia

Congratulations to Faith Nathan and James Turner for taking out the 2025 Shawn Mackay Awards for Women’s and Men’s Sevens Player of the Year! 🇦🇺💛🦘 More here: https://lnkd.in/gPwCRnTE

Congratulations to Len Ikitau and Tabua Tuinakauvadra for winning the 2025 John Eales Medal and Wallaroos Player of the Year award respectively! 🇦🇺💛🦘 John Eales Medal: https://lnkd.in/gUcprncU Wallaroos Player of the Year: https://lnkd.in/gj7sfg2p

THANK YOU, TRILL & LYDS! 💛 Rugby Australia congratulations Trilleen Pomare and Lydia Kavoa on outstanding careers after the #Wallaroos veterans announced their retirements from Australian Rugby today.

A three-time World Cup representative and Western Force centre, Pomare finishes her career in gold with 43 Test caps, the second highest all-time, after making her international debut against Ireland in 2017.

“I’m so grateful for everyone who’s backed me, believed in me and supported me through the different stages of the journey,” Wallaroo No. 155 Pomare said.

“I started out just wanting to play footy with my mates, and somehow it’s taken me around the world and being able to make a career out of it.

“There’ll never be enough words of thanks for that, but the best way to honour it is by turning it into something bigger than yourself.

“I wish all my friends all the for everything in the future. I hope they never underestimate the impact they can have on people.”

Kavoa’s journey to a gold jersey came in different circumstances. She joined the Royal Australian Navy as a leading Seaman, where she discovered the game before joining Eastern Suburbs District Rugby Union Football Club and ACT Brumbies.

Her debut in 2024 came at age 30, and she went on to play 12 Tests for her country.

“The past two years playing for the Wallaroos have been a journey for me. I made my debut as a back-rower and then became a prop in 54 days, where I started at a record-breaking World Cup,” Wallaroo No. 214 Kavoa said.

“Thank you to Jo Yapp and the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to become a Wallaroo.

“It’s allowed me to grow as a rugby player, meet legends along the way and creating lifelong memories.

“It’s time for a new chapter in my life with new goals, more growth, memories, laughs and smiles. I can’t wait to watch the team succeed in the future.”

Interim Wallaroos Head Coach Sam Needs congratulated the pair on their successful careers in the gold jersey.

“On behalf of the Wallaroos we’d like to congratulate both players on fantastic careers at the international level,” Needs said.
 
“Trilleen has been a mainstay in the Wallaroos squad for almost a decade and as our second highest capped player ever, her leadership and dedication helped shaped this group for the better.

“The work with she’s put into some of our younger players coming through has been invaluable and will leave a legacy for generations to come.

“Lydia is a great story on never giving up on your dream and her journey is one to remember.

“To debut at flanker in July 2024, then play her second Test at loosehead prop in September is a testament to her determination and work ethic.

“Fast forward to England at the World Cup, she showed that anything is possible when she more than held her own against the world champions.

“They’re both honest and humble people and … we wish them both the best in all they do in the future.” 🇦🇺💛🦘 More here: https://lnkd.in/gE_RqXAn

Rugby Australia and the ACT Brumbies are pleased to confirm the re-signing of Charlie Cale until the end of 2027. The 25-year-old burst onto the scene last year with his exceptional Super Rugby Pacific form for the #Brumbies, which was rewarded with a Test debut against Wales in July. The following week he earned his first #Wallabies start at No. 8 before injury prematurely brought his 2024 season to a halt. A lower back injury has limited his availability this season. Cale, a Beecroft junior, joined the Brumbies pathways in 2021, trained full-time with the main squad during the 2022 season and earned his first Super Rugby Pacific cap in 2023. 🏉 Wallaby No. 976 Cale said: “I’m stoked to be staying at the ACT Brumbies and here in Australia for at least another two years. “The Brumbies are the club that gave me my first opportunity and is somewhere I know I can keep improving on and off the field, while genuinely building towards something special as a group. “It’s been a frustrating time for me from a playing perspective on the sideline but I’m certainly motivated to work hard to get back on the field as soon as I can. I’m excited to play footy again.” 🦘Rugby Australia Director of High Performance Peter Horne said: “Charlie is a good young player who has unfortunately had an interrupted last 12 months or so on the field. “We know when he is at his best his athleticism provides a point of difference in the backrow and we’ll be doing everything we can to continue to support him as a player and a person.” 🐴 ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said: “We’re very happy to keep Charlie at the club for another two seasons. “He’s a fantastic young player with some brilliant skills for a back rower. Whenever he’s pulled on a Brumbies jersey, he’s shown he’s got great potential. “Charlie had a tough season this year due to injury, but he’s kept his head high throughout the recovery process and will be aiming to make a significant impact in 2026 and beyond.” More here: https://lnkd.in/g2asm9Rq

The #Wallabies have confirmed a 34-player squad for the upcoming five-Test tour of the northern hemisphere with uncapped Queensland Rugby Union (Queensland Reds) pair Aidan Ross and Kalani Thomas selected as potential debutants.   Loosehead prop Ross linked up with the squad in July while scrumhalf Thomas was in camp with the team in Perth where he spent valuable time with the recently-retired Nic White.   Playmaker Carter Gordon has been selected, having been announced as returning to Australian Rugby with the Reds earlier today. The 24-year-old made his Wallabies debut in Pretoria in 2023 and went on to start at flyhalf in five of eight Tests in his first year of international rugby, including two matches at the Rugby World Cup.    Western Force flyer Dylan Pietsch returns to the group after a period on the sideline recovering from a fractured jaw, while fellow outside back Andrew Kellaway is also selected after a calf strain ruled him out of the Bledisloe Cup series.   Australia A squad members Matthew Faessler, Josh Canham, Pete Samu and Hamish Stewart have also been named and will link up with the Wallabies in Tokyo after the match against Japan XV in Osaka on October 18.    Overseas-based players may link up with the group, but not during the first two matches of the Tour, due to those matches falling outside the World Rugby Regulation 9 window. The squad, comprised of 19 forwards and 15 backs, will assemble in Sydney on Thursday. 🦘Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “The squad and staff have had a brief chance to catch their breath after what has been a dense and attritional Test season so far.   “The challenge certainly doesn’t get any easier with five consecutive Tests on the road against high-quality international opposition but, in saying that, I think the squad will relish the challenge and players will work hard to be as competitive as possible. “Both Aidan Ross and Kalani Thomas have had a bit of time with us and Carter Gordon will get the opportunity to integrate back into the Wallabies environment. The three players are fully fit and eager to be involved.    “We’ve taken a long-term view with Tom Lynagh, who is still just 22-years-old. He has had a few injury frustrations since the third Test versus the Lions in early August and will follow an individualised program, guided by both Wallabies and Queensland staff, which will allow him to recover to full fitness.   “There are a few players who have featured during recent Test matches, that are currently involved in competitions in Europe. Given the intensity of our Tour schedule, we may look to bolster our playing stocks by including some of these players during the World Rugby Regulation 9 window.” WALLABIES TOUR SCHEDULE 🆚🇯🇵 - Oct 25, 4.50pm AEDT 🆚🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 - Nov 2, 2.10am AEDT 🆚🇮🇹 - Nov 9, 4.40am AEDT 🆚🇮🇪 - Nov 16, 7.10am AEDT 🆚🇫🇷 - Nov 23, 7.10am AEDT More here: https://lnkd.in/gsgv5PVh

Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union (Queensland Reds) are pleased to announce the signing of Carter Gordon through to the end of 2028, effective from this month.

Gordon, 24, has represented the #Wallabies in eight Test matches and made 45 Super Rugby appearances for the Melbourne Rebels. He was contracted to the Gold Coast Titans for the 2025 season and made his NRL debut last month.

Gordon became Wallaby No. 967 when he debuted off the bench against the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld in 2023, making an immediate impression by starting and finishing a remarkable 70 metre try. The Sunshine Coast Grammar and Brisbane Boys’ College product went on to represent his country in three Rugby World Cup matches later that year.

A former Australian Schoolboys and Junior Wallabies representative, Gordon returns to rugby at an exciting time with less than two years remaining until the Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Gordon said he was looking forward to returning to Australian Rugby and representing his home state at the Queensland Reds. 🏉 Gordon said:

“I’m stoked to return to the game I grew up playing and loving as a kid, especially with the opportunity to represent the team I grew up supporting, the Queensland Reds.

“I’ve watched both Queensland and the Wallabies from afar over the past year or so, and the journey they’re on motivates me to want to work hard and contribute positively on and off the field. 

“I’d also like to thank the Gold Coast Titans for the opportunity to grow as a player and person at their club and for all their support for me and my family over the past 16 months.  I wish the players and the staff all the best for what’s ahead.”

🦘Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said:  “We are pleased Carter is returning to rugby after excelling as a junior with Sunshine Coast Grammar, Brisbane Boys’ College and Wests in Brisbane before taking the step up to Super Rugby and Test arena at a young age.

“Carter’s signing will ensure additional healthy competition at the Reds and the Wallabies and provides him with a two-year runway to make his case for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

“Rugby Australia has taken a strategic approach to player contracting this World Cup cycle and we are delighted to bring Carter back into the system.”

🐨 Queensland Rugby Union (Queensland Reds) Head Coach Les Kiss said: “It is great news that Carter has returned to rugby and we look forward to welcoming him back here to the Reds.

 “Carter is a quality player who no doubt deepens our playing options in the key positions of flyhalf, fullback and inside centre.

"In every Super Rugby Pacific season, there are challenges with how byes are placed and travel periods. Increasing depth across our squad is definitely helpful.” More here: https://lnkd.in/gJ8ReNEA

Rugby Australia is delighted to confirm leading cryptocurrency exchange Swyftx has signed on as official naming rights partner of the Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women’s competitions in Australia until the end of 2027. Rugby Australia’s first-ever cryptocurrency partnership will see the Swyftx logo feature on the playing kits of the four Australian clubs in Super Rugby Pacific and all five Super Rugby Women’s teams for the next two seasons. Launched in 2018, Swyftx is an Australian owned and operated cryptocurrency exchange that provides a user-friendly trading platform for more than 1.3 million users across Australia, New Zealand and the United States. One in five Australian adults now own digital assets, with many of those investors having a high affinity to sport, and Rugby Australia has joined the likes of the NRL and the Brisbane Lions AFL club in partnering with Swyftx. The major partnership arrives ahead of a milestone Super Rugby Pacific season in 2026 as the competition celebrates 30 years of Super Rugby. 🦘Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said: “We’re delighted to welcome Swyftx to the Australian rugby family with a partnership that will elevate the Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women’s competitions. “As an Australian business with an expanding global network, Swyftx will help our world-class competitions engage with new and diverse audiences. “We look forward to working closely with the Swyftx team to drive some exciting initiatives over the next two seasons.” 📈 Swyftx CEO Jason Titman said: “Super Rugby Pacific is one of the great club competitions and rugby union is one of the great global sports. We’re delighted to support Rugby Australia’s growth as we approach the 2027 World Cup. “We see this partnership as a great way for Swyftx to connect with new fans and say we’re here, and we’re supporting Australians and New Zealanders to securely embrace a new technology.” More here: https://lnkd.in/eAaJHZwq

#Wallabies and Australia A coaches have selected a 26-player squad to play Japan Rugby Football Union in Osaka on October 18. A total of ten Wallabies have been named in the group, which is made up of 16 forwards and ten backs for the match which will be held at Yodoko Sakura Stadium. A number of players feature in their first men’s national XVs program, including Aussie Sevens representative Sid Harvey, ACT Brumbies pair Tevita Alatini and Liam Bowron as well as scrumhalf Henry Robertson. The side will be led by Simon Cron, who will be supported by newly appointed Western Force assistant Brad Harris and Junior Wallabies coach Chris Whitaker. 🦘Cron said: “Following the success of the Super Rugby AUS competition, this match is another great opportunity for Australian players to test themselves against high-quality opposition. “To have ten Wallabies in the group shows the depth in Australian Rugby, while there’s some young men here who will be keen to challenge themselves for the first time on the international stage.” 🇦🇺🤝🏼🇯🇵 More here: https://lnkd.in/gCkHnkGT

The NSW Waratahs have claimed the inaugural Super Rugby AUS title with a 33-26 Grand Final victory over Western Force at Wanneroo Districts Rugby Union Football Club today. The five-tries-to-four win capped a successful day for the #Waratahs, who also took out the Under 19s crown with a 31-24 win over the ACT Brumbies and the Under 16s trophy with a 96-7 victory over the #Force. 👕🏉🏆 Report: https://lnkd.in/gkqJ4izS

“He's pretty much everyone's older brother in the team and we love him. "He always says the right thing to you at the right time and he's always there offering advice. "We will really miss him.” - #Wallabies captain Harry Wilson 💛 Thank you, Slips: https://lnkd.in/g-Pd6v6w