Former Wallaroos captains Michaela Leonard and Kaitlan Leaney are among a quartet of forwards who have re-committed to the program heading into 2026.
Leonard and Leaney, along with Brianna Hoy and Ash Fernandez, have signed new one-year national contracts with Rugby Australia following the recent Rugby World Cup in England.
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Western Force lock Leonard became the third Australian to play 40 games during the World Cup, having skippered the side to the WXV 2 title.
She is joined by fellow second-row partner Leaney, who co-captained the side in the opening match of the tournament against Samoa.
As for fellow Coffs Harbour product Hoy, she made her successful return from a long-term injury during that win, ending almost 12 months on the sidelines.
Fernandez rounds out the initial re-signings, featuring in the quarter-final defeat to eventual finalists Canada after making her Test debut against Fijiana earlier in the year.
The signings mark the start of the retention period for the Wallaroos, who will come together for a camp towards the end of the year.
“After confirming our interim coaching staff through to the end of the Pacific Four series, we are now looking to lock in players to national contracts for 2026," RA GM of Women’s Rugby Jilly Collins said.
"Michaela is one of our most experienced players in the Wallaroos squad with over 40 caps.
"She is one of only four players to reach this mark, consistently demonstrating a high level of performance and professionalism both on and off the field.
"Kaitlan has been one of the squad's most consistent and reliable performers since her debut in 2022. This strong foundation has seen her rapidly develop into a key leader within the team.
"Brianna made a successful return from a long-term knee injury this year, and everyone was delighted to see her make a comeback against Samoa in the opening game of the Rugby World Cup.
"Ash made her Wallaroos debut against Fijiana in May, gaining valuable experience at the top level. She continues to develop her game in the lock position and has a bright future ahead.
"We are thrilled that all four have committed their future to the squad by signing new contracts as we commence the new Rugby World Cup cycle."
