Buildcorp Wallaroos leadership announced on cusp of historic tour

Oct 17 • General News, International • 1194 Views • Comments Off on Buildcorp Wallaroos leadership announced on cusp of historic tour

Respected Buildcorp Wallaroos veteran, Ashleigh Hewson will captain the Wallaroos for the first time during the upcoming three match tour of New Zealand, with the squad coming together today at the Sydney Academy of Sport for final preparations.

Hewson, who plays flyhalf or fullback, received her first Wallaroos cap in 2009 against Samoa, and went on to represent Australia during the 2010 and 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cups. Prior to representing Australia in rugby, Hewson had been named in the Matildas squad and also excelled in touch, athletics and cricket on the national stage. This year she led Sydney to back-to-back national titles at the Buildcorp Women’s National XVs Championships.

Joining Hewson in the leadership team will be lock, Rebecca Clough from Western Australia and former Australian Sevens player Iliseva Batibasaga from Sydney, who will take up the roles of vice-captains.

As part of their three match tour, the Wallaroos will play an historic double header against New Zealand’s Black Ferns before the Qantas Wallabies play the All Blacks at Auckland’s Eden Park in the final Bledisloe Cup match.

Buildcorp Wallaroos Head Coach, Paul Verrell said:” I’d like to congratulate Ash for being given the role of captain of the Wallaroos. She has been an excellent leader both on and off the field for our entire squad and will lead the team well as we take on New Zealand.

“With women’s rugby now one of the fastest growing sports in the world, this tour marks an exciting period for women’s XVs Rugby in Australia, especially for the Buildcorp Wallaroos program as we build towards the 2017 World Cup in Ireland.

“All the players will be honoured to wear the gold jersey in New Zealand and will be hoping to inspire thousands of young Australian girls when they run out on the field in New Zealand.”

The Wallaroos will play the Auckland Storm in an exhibition match on Tuesday 18 October before turning their attention to playing New Zealand at Eden Park. The match will be broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS.

Fixtures:
18 October 2016: Trial Match – Auckland Storm v Buildcorp Wallaroos, 3pm*
22 October 2016: 1st Test – New Zealand v Buildcorp Wallaroos, Eden Park, 5pm*
26 October 2015: 2nd Test – New Zealand v Buildcorp Wallaroos, 2.30pm*