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Australia kick of new era with four new signings

By @rugby365com
Wednesday 12 Nov 2025

NEWS: The Wallaroos announced the retention of key forwards Michaela Leonard, Kaitlan Leaney, Brianna Hoy and Ashley Fernandez for the 2026 international season.

The quartet have signed new one-year national contracts with Rugby Australia following the recent World Cup in England.

Former Wallaroos captain and Western Force representative Leonard notched her 42nd Test during the World Cup, becoming the third-most capped player in Australian history overall.

Back-rower Leaney took up the sport as a 17-year-old and played for both the SCU Marlins and Coffs Harbour Snappers.

Both Leaney and Hoy grew up in Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast, with Hoy overcoming a serious knee injury in 2025 to feature at her first World Cup.

Fernandez also represented her country at the World Cup for the first time, playing in the tournament opener against Samoa and a quarterfinal loss to Canada.

General Manager of Women’s Rugby Jilly Collins said the re-signings were the start of a key retention period for the Wallaroos program.

“After confirming our interim coaching staff through to the end of the Pacific Four series we are now looking to lock in players to national contracts for 2026,” Collins said.

“Michaela is one of our most experienced players in the Wallaroos squad with over 40 caps.

“She is one of only four players to reach this mark, consistently demonstrating a high level of performance and professionalism both on and off the field.

“Kaitlan has been one of the squad’s most consistent and reliable performers since her debut in 2022. This strong foundation has seen her rapidly develop into a key leader within the team.

“Brianna made a successful return from a long-term knee injury this year, and everyone was delighted to see her make a comeback against Samoa in the opening game of the Rugby World Cup.

“Ash made her Wallaroos debut against Fijiana in May, gaining valuable experience at the top level.

“She continues to develop her game in the lock position and has a bright future ahead.

“We are thrilled that all four have committed their future to the squad by signing new contracts as we commence the new Rugby World Cup cycle.”

Michaela Leonard

  • Position: Lock

  • Caps: 42

  • Junior Club: Tuggeranong Vikings

  • 2025 Super Rugby Club: Western Force

  • Test Debut: Australia v Japan, 2019

  • World Cups: 2 (2021, 2025)

Kaitlan Leaney

  • Position: Lock

  • Caps: 35

  • Junior Club: SCU Marlins

  • 2025 Super Rugby Club: NSW Waratahs

  • Test Debut: Australia v Fiji, 2022

  • World Cups: 2 (2021, 2025)

Brianna Hoy

  • Position: Prop

  • Caps: 9

  • Junior Club: Coffs Harbour Snappers

  • 2025 Super Rugby Club: NSW Waratahs

  • Test Debut: Australia v England, 2023

  • World Cups: 1 (2025)

Ashley Fernandez

  • Position: Lock

  • Caps: 6

  • Junior Club: Uni-North Owls

  • 2025 Super Rugby Club: ACT Brumbies

  • Test Debut: Australia v Fiji, 2025

  • World Cups: 1 (2025)

 

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