Less than a year ago Caitlyn Halse was buried in exams for her final year of school and sport was the furthest thing from her mind. This weekend the teenager is set to become one of the youngest ever women to play in a Rugby World Cup.
With fellow debutantes Manu’a Moleka, 18, and Waiaria Ellis, 17, the three young guns are likely to make history as the youngest group of Wallaroo starters to ever take the field.
“It’s kind of a surreal feeling. I think 18 months ago if you told me I was going to a World Cup I wouldn’t have believed you,” the 18-year-old rising star told Central News ahead of the team’s opening clash on Saturday against Samoa.
“I am definitely very excited to be here and very grateful for the opportunity the coaching staff have given me.”
Australian women’s sport has been riding a wave of interest since the country hosted the Women’s FIFA World Cup and rallied behind the Matildas, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Now, with Australia set to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029, the Wallaroos’ performance over the next two weeks will be vital in igniting support, boosting participation and attracting sponsorship to strengthen rugby’s future in Australia.
Halse said she had high hopes for the future of women’s rugby union and the World Cup series in Australia.
“By that time I am hoping we can inspire young girls and boys that rugby is a sport for everyone,” she added.
“No matter where you’re from, what you look like, it’s a sport for all shapes and sizes.”
The tournament, which will see 16 nations go head-to-head culminating in a September 28 final, is set to be the largest women’s rugby event ever, with more than 300,000 tickets already sold.
The energy was high on day one of camp. Photo: Shee Nathan-Wong Rugby Australia
And, the Wallaroos, although still classified as semi-professional, are working their way up the international ladder. Ranked eighth in the world, they arrived in England fresh from a dominant 36–5 win over Wales earlier this month. They also went undefeated in the WXV 2 tournament last October, securing their place in this year’s competition.
At the 2021 World Cup, Australia reached the quarter finals before bowing out to England.
In a press conference Australia’s head coach Jo Yapp said the goal was to advance beyond the pool stage again. Former England international Yapp, who has been in charge since 2023 and will be stepping down after the World Cup and relocating back to the UK to be with her family, has been credited with tightening up the Wallaroos game.
The team suffered a major loss with Ruby Sevens convert and ex-captain Charlotte Caslick not being named in the squad due to a foot injury. Caslick was renowned as the top of her field in the seven’s format and was an exciting addition to the 15 a side game. The fullback could potentially join the squad at the back end of the tournament if an injury were to occur.
Caslick’s position in the squad has been filled by Moleka, who will be joining her sister Faitala Moleka in the squad.
Young gun Manu’a Moleka looking to make her World Cup debut. Photo: Shee Nathan-Wong Rugy Australia
“I think it is a really good opportunity for Nu’a. She has been working really hard in this group over the last six, seven months,” Halse told Central News.
“I think she is a great ball player and hard runner so she will be really exciting for the World Cup.”
Australia will compete in Pool A alongside hosts and world No.1 England, the USA, and Samoa. England pose the biggest threat, while reigning champions New Zealand are also a team to watch as they fight to go back-to-back for the title.
When asked about the daunting prospect of England in the round game Halse made it clear the Wallaroos should not be underestimated.
“Obviously they are number one in the world at the moment, but I think anything can happen at a World Cup,” she said.
With Halse, Moleka, and Ellis all breaking new ground, this World Cup isn’t just about results on the field, it’s about ushering in a new era for the Wallaroos and women’s rugby, one led by teenagers who have gone from fans in the stands to the faces of the future.
The Wallaroos begin their World Cup campaign at 9pm (AEST) Saturday, August 23. All matches across the tournament will be streamed live on Stan and a weekly recap of the Wallaroos performance will be available on Central News.
Wallaroos Game Schedule:
Saturday, August 23: Wallaroos v Samoa, Salford Community Stadium, Manchester – 9:00pm AEST
Sunday, August 31: Wallaroos v USA at York Community Stadium, York – 4:30am AEST
Sunday, September 7: Wallaroos v England at Brighton and Hove Stadium, Brighton and Hove – 2:00am AEST
Main image of Caitlyn Halse supplied by Shee Nathan-Wong, Rugby Australia.
