Wallaroos World Cup squad named

Tricia Brown, one of Australia's most experienced players is named in the World Cup squad.

Recently appointed Wallaroos Head Coach, Paul Verrell has included nine players who were involved in the 2010 World Cup but none of the nation’s current Sevens squad players are included.

Verrell has left eight spots open for his first camp, which takes place in February, which he hopes to fill with a number of crossover players. However he must await a decision by the Sevens management on what players, if any, will be released from World Series duties.

“Last month’s National Women’s Championship provided a high standard and a great platform for selection,” he said.

“This level of play made the selection process challenging, but it’s a good problem to have.

“We’ve identified a strong group of women, and I am looking forward to bringing them to our first camp early next year to prepare to challenge for the top spot in the International Series against New Zealand and Canada in May and June.”

“We finished third in the last Rugby World Cup, so we’re looking to improve that position next year and the International Series will be a great opportunity for us to assess form and see what areas of our game we need to focus on to come home with the World Cup next August.”

Players who were involved in the last Women’s Rugby World Cup include Tricia Brown, Cheyenne Campbell, Rebecca Clough, Ashleigh Hewson, Danielle Meskell, Tui Ormsby, Rebecca Smyth (née Trethowan), Caroline Vakalahi and Margaret Watson.

Newcomers to the squad have a varied background from Club Rugby to Australian Services Rugby. They will train alongside their teammates at sessions conducted by senior state-based coaches in the lead up to the first camp in February 2014.

The Wallaroos set to play reigning Women’s Rugby World Cup champions New Zealand and Canada in the inaugural International Series in New Zealand in May and June next year.Australia's World Cup Training Squad

Michelle Bailey (SYD); Tricia Brown (QLD); Louise Burrows (ACT); Chloe Butler (SYD); Cheyenne Campbell (QLD); Rebecca Clough (WA); Delena Dennison (QLD); Aimee Gilbert (QLD); Mollie Gray (ASRU); Alisha Hewett (ASRU); Ashleigh Hewson (SYD); Tuainekore Ina Mata (SYD); Eva Karpani (SA); Mel Kawa (QLD); Sarah Laman (SYD); Victoria Latu (SYD); Ashley Marsters (VIC); Nareeta Masters (QLD); Danielle Meskell (SYD); Shellie Millward (ACT); Mahalia Murphy (SYD); Asaka Ono (QLD); Tui Ormsby (SYD); Michelle Perry (ACT); Catharina Prinsloo (SA); Madeline Putz (WA); Patricia Raikadroka (SYD); Emily Robinson (SYD); Brooke Saunders (ASRU); Oneata Schwalger (VIC); Rebecca Smyth (NSWC); Hayley Sullivan (ASRU); Simaima Taufa (SYD); Kenina Terita (SYD); Caroline Vakalahi (ASRU); Margaret Watson (NSWC)