'Pretty special': Wallaroos celebrate their first major silverware

REACTION: The Wallaroos claimed their first major piece of silverware when they recorded a 31-22 victory over Scotland at Athlone Stadium.

Australia dropped from the top tier competition WXV 1 to the WXV 2 after a winless run in the 2024 Pacific Four Tournament.

It was a challenging period for the Wallaroos, who also headed into this year’s WXV 2 tournament a the back of defeats to Ireland and Wales.

However the team managed to come together at the right moment, securing three tremendous victories in successive weeks in Cape Town over Wales, hosts South Africa and WXV2 holders Scotland to take the title.

Saturday’s win also sees Wallaroos qualified for the World Cup which will be held in England next August.

#REPORT: Wallaroos claim silverware in Cape Town 👇#WXV2 #Australia #Scotland https://t.co/poQZwJbsy7

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“The experience in Cape Town over the past few weeks has been amazing,” said Wallaroos captain Michaela Leonard after the match.

“I think for us having those two warm-up games prior to WXV was a real benefit.

“Although the results probably weren’t what we would’ve liked to see, I think we learnt a lot from those both on and off the field.

“For the girls to group together, the coaching staff stay with us and stay consistent with their messaging and to come out with the results we have is pretty special.”

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Wallaroos head coach Jo Yapp praised the team for their success and stated the WXV 2 is an extremely tough competition.

“I am exceptionally proud of everyone, coaches and players alike,” said Yapp.

“Everyone has been working hard since January and it was always tough going into the Pacific Four tournament, which saw us drop to WXV 2.

“We didn’t get much prep going into that and it was always going to be a challenge.

“We have learned and developed as a group in the last six months so much.

“The group never questioned things they just pulled through things. Although we were not getting the results earlier on, no one ever questioned that they could see the growth in certain areas of our game.”

She added: “WXV 2 is not an easy competition.

“There are some good sides, really experienced and we didn’t come into this competition taking it lightly.

“We knew we needed to step up.”