Sydney University Women’s Rugby Club (SUWRC) representatives Ashleigh Hewson and Caroline Vakalahi are one step closer to a 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup berth after being named in the Wallaroos Tri-Nations squad.
Hewson and Vakalahi were named in the 26-player squad that will travel to New Zealand in June to compete against Canada and New Zealand in a Tri-Nations tournament. There selection in the squad follows an extensive selection process that included the Women’s National Championship, a National Selection camp, the National Women’s Sevens Championship and satellite training around the country.
This tournament will provide the Wallaroos with an excellent opportunity to test themselves against the best in the world – including the New Zealand’s Black Ferns – before August’s IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in France.
The Wallaroos have France, South Africa and Wales in their World Cup pool.
A further two SUWRC representatives – Tuainekore Ina Mata and Michelle Bailey – were part of the 2013 Wallaroos training squad and are still a good chance of earning World Cup selection.