Emphasizing Family: The Wallaroos Connection
When you engage Libby Andrew in conversation about the Wallaroos, the theme of family resonates strongly. This isn’t just a casual descriptor; it encapsulates the profound bond shared among the players of Australia's national women's rugby union team, both current and former. Andrew, who has a unique perspective as a participant in the Wallaroos’ inaugural Test in 1994, knows intimately how deep these connections run.
Last year, when she presented jerseys to the current squad, the sense of camaraderie was palpable. "I had never met any of them face to face," Andrew recounted to ABC Sport. "But when I walked into that room, there was a connection there. I guess it's probably a bit like being a grandparent. It feels like family."
This sentiment echoes throughout the 2026 Wallaroos team. Captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona articulated it well: "There is just something that still ties you together, whether you're a Wallaroo of today's era or the past." This unity transcends generations, as the experiences on and off the field form an unbreakable thread among all who have donned the green and gold.
With the upcoming match against New Zealand in Auckland marking the Wallaroos' 100th Test, the stakes feel particularly personal. "There is definitely a responsibility to not only do the jersey justice but to honour and show respect to the trailblazers of the game," Palu Sekona said, looking ahead at the challenge. "I want to make sure I lead this team well, and it will be a reflection of not only the 23 players who wear that jersey [against New Zealand], but more so for all the Wallaroos who are embedded in those green and gold jerseys."
The spirit of family isn’t fleeting; it’s embedded in the fabric of the team and fuels their ambition as they head into this significant milestone. In every tackle, every pass, and every cheer from the stands, they’ll be playing not just for victory but for their heritage and their extended family, past and present.
A Journey of Milestones
Reflecting on the Wallaroos’ journey brings to light both their challenging beginnings and the overwhelming spirit that characterizes their ascent. The first Test played on September 2, 1994, at North Sydney Oval, was modest yet monumental. Limited by the lack of a formal interstate competition, the team formed from a national invitational club tournament. The attraction that day was overshadowed by a Shute Shield semifinal, and the Wallaroos played amidst the hustle of peak-hour traffic.
Andrew, who was a reserve flanker, recalled the chaos: "We got stuck in peak-hour traffic on a Friday in Sydney, pushing uphill from the afternoon we left the hotel." It’s telling that even as history was made, few registered its significance. She continued, “At the time, I was so focused on the game that I had no idea we were creating history. It never occurred to me.” Despite arriving late, New Zealand secured a decisive 37-0 victory, yet the significance of the moment for Australian women's rugby could not be overlooked.
The Australian Rugby Football Union—now known as Rugby Australia—had shown little enthusiasm in developing a women's team. However, advocates like Joan Forno emerged, tirelessly pushing for recognition and resources needed to build the women's game. Andrew describes Forno's influence as maternal; "Joan Forno is like your mother. You don't say no to Joan Forno. Everyone was petrified of Joan, but Joan got things done."
The trailblazing path of the Wallaroos, punctuated by these collective struggles and successes, speaks to the resilience and unity that the players of today continue to embody. As they gear up for their next match against the Black Ferns, they stand on the shoulders of giants and reaffirm the bonds that knit them together as a family, both on and off the field.Reflecting on a Legacy
The journey of the Wallaroos since their inaugural appearance at the 1998 Women's Rugby World Cup has been nothing short of remarkable. Under the guidance of Joan Forno and coach Bob Hitchcock, the team made an impressive debut that culminated in a quarterfinal against England, where they fell short with a score of 30-13. Yet, their resolve shone through as they later secured the Plate title by defeating Scotland 25-15. Andrew, a player during those formative years, fondly remembers the bonds formed within the team, remarking, "Without Joan and Bob, there's no way we would be where we were."
Honoring the Pioneers
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Wallaroos' first Test, Andrew took it upon herself to self-publish a book chronicling the team's history and the struggles they encountered along the way. Titled *Wallaroo 19*, the book serves as a testament to the passion that drove the players. Andrew, who participated in 12 Tests from 1994 to 2002, recognizes the stark contrast between the experiences of female rugby players and their male counterparts. "In my era, we played for our mates and for the love of the game," she stated, underscoring the sacrifices made by the pioneering athletes who laid the foundation for future generations.
Building Momentum
As Australia gears up to host the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup, Rugby Australia (RA) is ramping up its support for the Wallaroos, marking a significant shift toward full-time training and alignment with the women's sevens program. With Tim Walsh at the helm, whose experience includes turning the women's sevens program into a full-time operation, the Wallaroos are poised for a brighter future. Walsh calls the Wallaroos a "sleeping giant," hinting at the immense untapped potential within the team's talent pool. Critics might point to the Wallaroos' record—over 60% of Tests lost and no victories against New Zealand—but such statistics betray the true challenges of women's rugby, largely rooted in funding and support.
With a renewed focus on infrastructure and team development, Walsh and incoming head coach Sione Fukofuka are on a mission to awaken this giant. "We've got the athletes," he says, but there’s a clear understanding that success requires more than just talent; it requires proper resources and opportunities.
Players like Siokapesi Palu Sekona, currently balancing her responsibilities between rugby and a job in Canberra, emphasize that the team just needs the chance to refine their skills. "Once we get our physicality right, our strength and conditioning right, imagine where our game can take us," she observes. Andrew echoes this sentiment, feeling a surge of pride and hope for the next generation of players finally receiving the full support they need.
As the Wallaroos approach milestone moments, Andrew’s emotional connection to the team resonates. Watching them reach their 100th Test will be akin to witnessing a proud parent seeing their child achieve a significant milestone. The anticipation is palpable, and it’s clear that a new chapter is on the horizon for women's rugby in Australia—one where the efforts of the pioneers are not only acknowledged but celebrated through tangible progress.