Rugby Australia has announced a transformative investment in the women’s high performance pathway, headlined by the launch of the NextGen XVs program and the introduction of High Performance Player Agreements for emerging talent.
With the support of the Australian Rugby Foundation, these initiatives mark a strategic shift in how Australia identifies, develops, and retains female athletes in the lead-up to the 2029 Rugby World Cup and 2032 Olympics on home soil.
Expanding on the success of the established NextGen 7s, 2026 will see the inaugural NextGen XVs debut at both under 16 and under 19 levels.
This program serves as a vital development ground, with RA working alongside member unions and Super Rugby clubs to grow female participation, alongside identifying the nation’s best young talent through existing representative pathways, the Buildcorp Australian Schools and Junior Rugby Union Championships, held on the Sunshine Coast this July.
The revamped program focuses on nurturing individuals through specialised training in rugby skills, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and mental health.
Two RA under 19 teams will compete on 12 September and 3 October 2026, while the under 16 program will participate in a holistic development camp before playing their own match on 3 October.
This initiative creates a unified system where RA, Super Rugby Women’s programs and member unions collaborate to support consistent athlete progression and long-term national team performance.
In an historic move, Rugby Australia will also directly contract over 20 high potential young female players in 2026.
These new High Performance Player Agreements will provide direct financial remuneration, allowing athletes to focus more on their rugby development and help bridge the gap between youth pathways and senior top-level rugby.
Jilly Collins, GM Women’s High Performance and Competitions said: “This landmark step is only possible thanks to the incredible generosity of the donors through the Australian Rugby Foundation.
“We are grateful for their belief in the women’s game, their investment is the catalyst that allows us to launch the NextGen XVs and provide direct financial support to our brightest stars.
“By creating a high-performance environment where our athletes have the resources to thrive, these donors are directly shaping the future of the Wallaroos and Australian Sevens teams as we look toward 2029 and beyond.”
Holly Kelsall, General Manager, Australian Rugby Foundation said: “This is exactly the type of investment the Australian Rugby Foundation exists to deliver, and a clear reflection of our commitment to the women’s game.
“We work closely with Rugby Australia to identify where funding can have the greatest impact and mobilise philanthropic support to make it happen.
“The launch of NextGen XVs and High Performance Player Agreements are tangible outcomes of that work, strengthening the pathway for the next generation of female athletes.”
Lachlan Parkinson, Head of Women’s Pathways said: "The NextGen XVs is about more than just matches, it is about building a sustainable pipeline of talent.
“By aligning our youth development and retention strategies, we are ensuring that every talented young player has a clear, supported journey toward our Teams in Gold.
“This program provides the specialised coaching and competitive environment necessary to prepare them for the rigours of international rugby.”
