Debutants to be given opportunities in 2020 Buildcorp Wallaroos Training Camp

The Buildcorp Wallaroos will connect for the first time in 2020 with a national camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra on December 1 until December 6.

Head Coach Dwayne Nestor has named 16 Test debutants in the squad as Australia continues its preparation for Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand.

Last week the Wallaroos journey at the tournament was confirmed, which will see Australia take on the tournament hosts as well as Wales and the Final Qualifier winner in the battle of Pool A.

The squad features, some strong young talent such as NSW Waratahs winger, Maya Stewart who has been one of the standout performers in Buildcorp Super W over the last two seasons, just missing out on selection in 2019.

Former Australian Sevens back, Georgia Friedrichs has also earnt her opportunity alongside one of the most exciting and powerful prospects coming out of the nation’s capital in Tayla Stanford.

Cruelled with injury in 2019, Stanford fought her way back into national contention, with the number eight one to watch ahead of 2021.

Buildcorp Wallaroos Head Coach, Dwayne Nestor said: “This is a huge opportunity for some of these young players to really stand up ahead of what is going to be a massive 2021 with the World Cup right on our doorstep.

“We have been adaptive in a challenging 2021, but we have still seen some really good quality Rugby through Buildcorp Super W, our club competitions, the Queensland Select match and the Chikarovski Cup which has allowed us to really see some of these young players coming through.

“We have also had a few injuries to some of our core players from last year and we have opted to let them continue their rehab in their respective states, which allows us to look at a few more people.

“The hard work continues in Canberra and I know the whole squad is looking forward to re-connecting after so many virtual sessions.”

2020 Buildcorp Wallaroos training squad

Iliseva Batibasaga, NSW Waratahs

Emily Chancellor, NSW Waratahs

Georgia Cormick, Melbourne Rebels

Lori Cramer, Queensland Reds

Piper Duck*, NSW Waratahs

Georgina Freidrichs*, NSW Waratahs

Anita Faimasui-Brown*, NSW Waratahs

Aleena Greenhalgh*, Queensland Reds

Grace Hamilton (c), NSW Waratahs

Ariana Hira-Herangi, Rugby WA

Eva Karpani, NSW Waratahs

Grace Kemp*, Brumbies

Atasi Lafai, NSW Waratahs

Michaela Leonard, Brumbies

Ashlee Makim*, NSW Waratahs

Nareta Marsters*, Queensland Reds

Arabella McKenzie, NSW Waratahs

Averyl Mitchell, Queensland Reds

Lillyann Mason*, NSW Waratahs

Jemima McCalman*, NSW Waratahs

Tiarah Minns*, Melbourne Rebels

Layne Morgan*, NSW Waratahs

Gabby Peterson*, Brumbies

Pauline Pilae*, NSW Waratahs

Trilleen Pomare, Rugby WA

Hilisha Samoa, Queensland Reds

Oneata Schwalger, NSW Waratahs

Christina Sekona, Queensland Reds

Cecilia Smith*, Queensland Reds

Tayla Stanford*, Brumbies

Maya Stewart*, NSW Waratahs

Ashleigh Walker*, Melbourne Rebels

* denotes Test debutants

The following players are not attending camp due to injury or unavailability, however, remain in the Wallaroo Player of National Interest squad.

Bree-Anna Cheatham, Queensland Reds

Fiona Jones, NSW Waratahs

Lucy Lockhart, Queensland Reds

Emma Masi, Brumbies

Ashleigh Marsters, Melbourne Rebels

Shannon Mato, Queensland Reds

Michelle Milward, Brumbies

Mahalia Murphy, NSW Waratahs

Sera Naiqama, NSW Waratahs

Emily Robinson, NSW Waratahs

Tasmin Sheppard, NSW Waratahs

Adriana Talakai, NSW Waratahs

Zahara Tamara, Queensland Reds

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