Wallaroos prop Bree-Anna Browne has now been picked for two Rugby World Cups without playing a single minute. Rather than curse the world, her determination has taken her in a different direction.
While some squadmates were holidaying in Europe, she dived into a private six-week program when she returned to Brisbane after the Wallaroos' quarter-final exit against Canada in England in September.
Browne and veteran Queensland fullback Lori Cramer were today among the latest crop of re-signings for Rugby Australia ahead of the 2026 international season. It adds to the recent re-signing of non-stop Reds lock Tiarah Minns.
Browne, 28, is honest about what is driving her to add to her 13 Test caps.
"I was obviously ecstatic to be picked for the World Cup squad for England coming out of my knee injury. I was so thankful," Browne said.
"At the other end of the emotions was not playing...for the second World Cup in a row. Yeah, it was frustrating.
"I'm definitely keen to be involved again in 2026. It will be a big year of internationals and a big year of proving myself."
Browne feels far stronger after her six-week program which mingled with her vocation as an army corporal.
"I worked on some technical stuff. I worked on getting more range with my knee. I worked on more flexibility and getting off the ground easier. It was all positive," Browne said.
The Super Rugby Women's season is yet be unveiled but it is obvious it will be later in 2026 than this year's February-April slot.
"I'm really looking forward to the season with Queensland. We had so much growth in a short time from a wooden spoon in 2024 to the grand final in 2025," Browne said.
Cramer's re-signing by RA is a boost for the squad with her leadership a key acquisition for the Wallaroos after making her debut in 2019.
The Queenslander is one of the most experienced players in the squad with 31 caps while she remains the highest point-scorer in Wallaroos history.
“Lori is one of our most experienced and influential players, bringing invaluable leadership and insight to the squad,” General Manager of Women’s Rugby Jilly Collins said.
“It is also exciting that Lori will be concurrently pursuing new opportunities overseas, a development we are fully supportive of.
“We hope that Lori has a long and influential involvement in Australian rugby and continues to help drive the development of the women’s game.”
Browne’s journey back from an ACL injury has been hugely admired with the serving army corporal making a return to the field for the Wallaroos in May.
“Bree-Anna made a successful return to the field this year following an 18-month layoff due to an ACL injury, featuring four times for the Wallaroos in 2025,” Collins said.
“She has been a valuable contributor to the team's efforts throughout the season and her re-signing is fantastic news.”
The Wallaroos are in a contracting period for 2026 with an extended squad to gather for an end-of-year training camp in Sydney next week.
