New leadership for Wallaroos in build-up to 2029 RWC

NEWS: Sam Needs has been appointed as the interim head coach for the Wallaroos. This follows the departure of the previous head coach, Jo Yapp.

Needs will lead the team, along with interim technical advisor Andy Friend and interim assistant coach Gill Bourke, as they prepare for upcoming competitions, including the 2029 Women’s World Cup to be hosted in Australia.

Rugby Australia has clarified its commitment to the women’s game days after it was revealed the sporting body had plans to strip back funding from the women’s program by up to $2 million.

Women’s High Performance manager Jaime Fernandez resigned from his position due to the budget cuts just weeks after the Wallaroos exited the women’s World Cup in a 46-5 quarter-final loss to eventual runners-up Canada.

These will include the existing Pacific Four and the new WXV Global series. A tour of the USA and Europe has also been confirmed.

RA has also stated they plan to “deliver a fully resourced program from 2026”.

The sporting body has more than doubled its investment in the women’s game over the last World Cup cycle.

“Rugby Australia is excited to continue the elite Wallaroos program as we start our journey towards a once-in-a-generation opportunity at the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Australia,” Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said.

“The Wallaroos have advanced to the quarterfinals of the last two Rugby World Cups and work has commenced to devise a high-performance program best placed to take our national team to the next level when the world’s best teams arrive on our shores in 2029.

“Whilst we finalise our national women’s rugby delivery model, we are delighted that Sam, Andy, and Gill will lead the team forward through the Pacific Four Series in 2026.

“The appointment of the Wallaroos interim coaching panel and the opening of player contracting will ensure continuity and high standards as we enter a new Rugby World Cup cycle.”

It was also revealed that players contracting for the 2026 season will commence immediately.

Meanwhile, plans for the upcoming Super Rugby Women’s season remain in limbo with sources telling ESPN several different plans had been tabled, including an extended home-and-away season or potentially expanding to include New Zealand’s Super Rugby Aupiki competition; however, budgeting was proving a stinking point for potential expansion.