The Buildcorp Wallaroos will connect for the first time in 2020 with a national camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra on December 1 until December 6.
Head Coach Dwayne Nestor has named 15 Test debutants in the squad as Australia continues its preparation for Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand.
Queensland Reds Lori Cramer, Aleena Greenhalgh (debutant), Nareta Marsters, Averyl Mitchell, Hilisha Samoa, Christina Sekona and Cecilia Smith (debutant) have been named in the squad.
Having learnt the game of Rugby whilst studying in England, former Bristol Bear Greenhalgh – originally from Bundaberg – receives her first call up to the Wallaroos squad, whilst Cecilia Smith and Nareta Marsters all return to the fold after long injury lay-offs. Mother of five Hilisha Samoa also hasn’t played in the Green-and-Gold since the last Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2017, where she was named the Australian Women’s Rugby Player of the Year for her performances.
Last week the Wallaroos journey at the tournament was confirmed, which will see Australia take on the tournament hosts as well as Wales and the Final Qualifier winner in the battle of Pool A.
Buildcorp Wallaroos Head Coach, Dwayne Nestor said: “This is a huge opportunity for some of these young players to really stand up ahead of what is going to be a massive 2021 with the World Cup right on our doorstep.
“We have been adaptive in a challenging 2021, but we have still seen some really good quality Rugby through Buildcorp Super W, our club competitions, the Queensland Select match and the Chikarovski Cup which has allowed us to really see some of these young players coming through.
“We have also had a few injuries to some of our core players from last year and we have opted to let them continue their rehab in their respective states, which allows us to look at a few more people. “The hard work continues in Canberra and I know the whole squad is looking forward to re-connecting after so many virtual sessions.”
