The Wallaroos are on the precipice of achieving their long-awaited dream of becoming full-time athletes, and captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona says that their final Test of the year will be crucial in helping them prepare for it.
Australia’s women’s rugby union team will join the Wallabies and sevens setups in being part of a full-time integrated program from January 2027, which coincides with Sione Fukofuka taking over as their coach.
A full-time program has been something that Wallaroos players have long advocated for and they haven't been afraid to call Rugby Australia (RA) out.
In 2023, several members of the squad took to social media to protest RA’s lack of funding for the women’s game.
The governing body previously expressed that they wanted to elevate the Wallaroos structure, and they are now set to do so as they prepare to host the Women's World Cup in 2029.
“We know that the program is about to go into a full-time space. So it's the end of an era, but it's the beginning of something new,” Palu Sekona said on Thursday.
“For a lot of us, it (a full-time program) is probably a bit of relief knowing that there's change coming into place and positive change.”
Palu Sekona added that the Wallaroos’ final Test of the year against Scotland in Canberra on Friday is the perfect opportunity for the Australians to get into the mindset of full-time athletes.
“I'm not saying that this game will be the turning point of what next year looks like, but it will definitely help,” she said.
“The work starts now. There are no excuses.
"We will eventually start being on an even playing field with those other full-time programs. So, although people are excited to go to that space, the challenge is now there, and people have to start working.”
The Australians enter Friday's clash after a 56-12 thumping of the Scots last Saturday.
But this Test will be much more emotionally charged as it will be both back-rower Emily Chancellor and centre Cecilia Smith's final Wallaroos clash after announcing their retirement from international rugby.
“We know we're going to close off this year with a very important match, and for the likes of Cee (Smith) and Chance (Chancellor), we want to put on a performance that they're proud of,” Palu Sekona said.
“For Chance and Cee leaving the game says a lot about them and about their humility to this game.
“There are things that they've fought for for years, and for them to step away just when it's about to get good just shows so much character.”
