Wallaroos depart with RWC 2029 already in their sights

Siokapesi Palu has warned all the teams that will be taking part in Rugby World Cup 2029 that the Wallaroos will be "in their prime" come that tournament in four years' time.

The Australians have departed Rugby World Cup 2025 following a 46-5 defeat by Canada in the quarter-finals, but leave with their heads held high after an incredibly young squad made it out of a difficult pool to showcase their credentials in the knockouts.

There is even more motivation for the Wallaroos, as Australia will host Rugby World Cup 2029 when it rolls around.

"I've got to give credit to the girls," captain Palu said after Saturday's loss. "We're talking about game drivers who are bloody 20 years old."

"We've got 20-year-olds and an 18-year-old who is about to finish school," she continued. "So they'll be in their prime come our home World Cup."

Head coach Jo Yapp will leave her position now that Australia's Rugby World Cup is over, but she shares the belief that the Wallaroos will be a force to contend with in four years' time.

"This is an incredibly young and talented team," she said. "We've got 20- and 18-year-olds in key positions.

"That's the spine of the team and what they're capable of now providing they get the backing the deserve, looks great for the future."

Tabua Tuinakauvadra, a 22-year-old back-rower, agrees.

"We speak a lot about connection and the median age of this team is 20-24 years old," she said. "I think you can only see the growth that we’re going to have going into 2029.

"Our competition is only getting bigger and our level of skill is only increasing and it’s only a matter of time to see some pay off (from) that.

"It’s a real opportunity to maintain that connection and really build something special."

Winger Desiree Miller was one of the bright lights of the Wallaroos' campaign, her six tries putting her in joint second in the competition at the end of the quarter-finals.

The 23-year-old says there is a feeling that the Wallaroos can emulate the success of the Matildas; Australia's women's football team who grew their own sport with a strong showing when they made the semi-finals of the World Cup they jointly hosted two years ago.

"We’re hoping to have the same impact, that’s the hope and the idea," she said.

"The Tillys had such an effect at their World Cup and now we’ve got this momentous event, the biggest World Cup for women.

"Hopefully we can carry that legacy over the next two years and then again in two years. We’ve seen the change not only in women’s rugby but in women’s sport, so hopefully we can get all that."

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