Seven capped Wallaroos named in Australia NextGen U21 squad

Seven capped Wallaroos have been included in the Australia NextGen Under-21 squad that will face New Zealand U21 later this month.

On Saturday 31 October, the Australia U21 squad will face their New Zealand counterparts at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, ahead of the Black Ferns’ clash with France.

Australia NextGen U21 head coach and former Wallaroos half-back Iliseva Batibasaga has named seven capped internationals in her squad: Waiaria Ellis, Faitala Moleka, Piper Simons, Ava Wereta, Amelia Whitaker, Lily Bone and Ruby Anderson.

The matchday 23 will be announced on Thursday 29 October, ahead of the teams’ inaugural fixture.

Batibasaga said: “This is a significant opportunity for women’s rugby in both countries. The world knows our great rivalry with New Zealand, where it can be fierce and friendly all at once, so creating this pathway and having our young players experience an international tour and a Test environment is incredibly valuable.

“Having a mix of youth and experience is really important to us, as is creating an empowering environment that’s supportive and competitive. There is some exciting talent coming through who can soak up the occasion, learn from more experienced players and make their mark on the international arena.

“Rugby Union has played a massive part in my life, so being part of the inaugural Australian NextGen U21 coaching group alongside Shannon and Alapeta is pretty special.”

Ruby Anderson (NSW Waratahs)Armani Bentley (NSW Waratahs)Lily Bone (ACT Brumbies)Tiki Calliste (Queensland Reds)Jayda Chung (NSW Waratahs)Anaia Cruickshank (NSW Waratahs)Waiaria Ellis (NSW Waratahs)Fa’alagilagi Faimasui Brown (NSW Waratahs)Lily Gillett (NSW Waratahs)Lola Harvison (NSW Waratahs)Georgie Hayes (ACT Brumbies)Talitha Heta (Western Force)Bella Houghton (Western Force)Angela Littler (NSW Waratahs)Sonrae Lui (ACT Brumbies)Keira MacAskill (Western Force)Indya McWilliam (Queensland Reds)Faitala Moleka (ACT Brumbies)Kuini Nama (Western Force)Millie Parker (ACT Brumbies)Madison Pomerenke (Queensland Reds)Ruby Rossiter (Queensland Reds)Evie Sampson (Queensland Reds)Allana Sikimeti (Western Force)Piper Simons (NSW Waratahs)Maronay Smuts (ACT Brumbies)Sofaia Talemaira (Western Force)Terina Te Tana (Western Force)Fa’agase Tupuola-Palale (Queensland Reds)Kiana Vatubua (NSW Waratahs)Lusiana Vesikula (NSW Waratahs)Ava Wereta (Queensland Reds)Amelia Whitaker (NSW Waratahs)Charity Wightman-Beaven (Queensland Reds)Sophia Wilson (NSW Waratahs)