Wallaroos contracted young guns Anderson, Sampson to skipper U19 NextGen teams

Fri, Sep 11, 2026, 3:00 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Wallaroo Ruby Anderson headlines the U19s squad for Saturday's opening game. Photo: Getty Images
Wallaroo Ruby Anderson headlines the U19s squad for Saturday's opening game. Photo: Getty Images

Wallaroos contracted duo Ruby Anderson and Evie Sampson will captain their respective U19 NextGen teams in Saturday's historic fixture at Forshaw Rugby Park.

The match will be the first in the new-look program, designed to give future stars more opportunities.

Catch the Next Gen XV games LIVE on Rugby.com.au

Anderson, who debuted for the Wallaroos in 2025, has been named skipper of the U19 team, consisting of talent from the NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies.

The back-rower is joined by centre Lusiana Vesikula, with the pair helping the Waratahs to the Super Rugby W title against the Fijian Drua.

ACT Brumbies duo Maronay Smuts and Georgina Hayes start in the halves, with 17-year-old Hayes starting several games for the Brumbies in 2026.

Australia A Sevens star Darcy Turinui, daughter of ex-Wallaby Morgan, starts on the wing, with experienced hooker Mille Parker headlining the pack.

Meanwhile, Sampson leads the way for the gold team, made up of Queensland Reds and Western Force players.

Evie Sampson
Bond and Reds scrumhalf Evie Sampson skippers the U19 Gold team.

Sampson, contracted to the Wallaroos wider group in 2026, partners Reds debutant Charity Wightman-Beaven in the halves.

Peyton Fakaosilea, sister of dual-international Alysia, will get the chance to shine in the centres.

Hooker Kuini Nama starts in the front-row, one of several Western Force Academy members recently named in the North v South squads for the 2026 Pomare Shield.

She is joined by Zhara Petia, who starts on the wing, and Terina Te Tana, among others WA talent.

The two teams will play their second match on October 3, looking to impress ahead of a U21 trans-Tasman clash against New Zealand later that month.

U19 NextGen XVs teams

Saturday September 12: Forshaw Rugby Park, Sylvania Waters (1:00 pm)

Live on Rugby.com.au

U19 Green (1-15): Fa'alagilagi Faimasui Brown, Millie Parker, Elissa Langi, Lola Harvison, Jayda Chung, Ruby Anderson 9c), Matisse Franks, Sophia Wilson, Maronay Smuts, Georgina Hayes, Darcy Turinui, Poppi Flanders, Lusiana Vesikula, Amelia Steventon, Paualee Going

Replacements: Jaydah Ongosia, Armarni Bentley, Joselyne Folau, Sammi Shaw, Ella Gleeson, Maia Maden Khan, Angel Ngungutau, Lily Gillette, Kiana Vatubua, Angela Littler

U19 Gold (1-15): Sarena Manssen, Kuini Nama, Ruby Rossiter, Bella Canning, Indya McWilliam, Bella Houghton, Maddy Pomerenke, Fa'agase Tupuola-Palale, Evie Sampson (c), Charity Wightman-Beaven, Matilda Vial, Taltha Heta, Peyton Fakaosilea, Zhara Petia, Aimee Henry

Replacements: Ella Duncombe, Dominika Baleinagasau, Kiriwai Nathan, Sarah Pascoe, Peytton Wentholt, Kylah-Rey Tuheke Kupa, Terita Te Tana, Tiki Calliste, Terina-Jade Murray, Kaelyn Passi

Share
Reds skipper Jemma Bemrose...potential Wallaroos debut in Manchester. Photo: Andrew Flakelar
Gem Uncovered with Reds Captain Bemrose Set for Wallaroos Debut
‘Natural fit’: Wallaroos out to unlock Moleka, backline with centre move
Dolly, Grealy & Harris to lead Force Super Rugby AUS campaign
Wunderkind Whitaker continuing family legacy as flyer prepares for baptism of fire