The eighth edition of Super W starts on the last day of February. On balance, it’s optimism and growth for Aussie rugby this year.
The one downside was seeing Melbourne Rebels drop out. They had suffered a torrid time across previous seasons and debts mounted up to the point where they folded.
Beyond that the outlook is far brighter.
For a start no fewer than nine of the Wallaroos 7s stars have committed to the 2025 Super W competition, all with an eye on gaining a place in Jo Yapp’s World Cup squad. Add them to an ever improving 15s squad, and you have the makings of a side to set a severe challenge.
Rugby Australia’s attitude is proactive, so the long-term aim is to build an increasingly professional basis for the elite game.
Here are the five squads plus brief comments:
Waratahs
Forwards: Bridie O’Gorman, Emily Robinson, Faliki Pohiva*, Georgia Chapple, Seneti Kilisimasi*, Siusiuosalafai Volkman, Adiana Talakai, Brittany Merlo, Millie Parker*, Annabelle Codey, Atasi Lafai, Jayjay Taylor*, Kaitlan Leaney, Tahlia Morgan*, Emily Chancellor, Leilani Nathan, Piper Duck, Ruby Anderson
Backs: Martha Harvey*, Tatum Bird, Tiarne Cavanagh*, Arabella McKenzie, Waiaria Ellis, Georgina Friedrichs, Jade Sheridan, Katrina Barker, Nicole Nathan, Amelia Whitaker*, Caitlyn Halse, Desiree Miller, Jacinta Windsor, Maya Stewart
Sevens: Sariah Paki
*new faces
They, the New South Wales outfit, have been the natural top dogs. To make them even stronger they welcome back three players who missed the 2024 season through injury: Adiana Talakai, Emily Chancellor and former Wallaroos captain, Piper Duck.
The good news is the closing gap between them and their rivals.
Queensland Reds
Forwards: Jemma Bemrose, Dillyn Blackburn*, Bree-Anna Browne, Sky-Yvette Faimalie*, Zoe Hanna*, Charli Jacoby, Eva Karpani, Carola Kreis, Tiarah Minns, Tiarna Molloy, Sarah Riordan*, Deni Ross, Jiowanna Sauto*, Zophronia Setu*, Cristo Taufua, Vineta Teutau*, Maraea Tupai
Backs: Lori Cramer, Michelle Curry, Carys Dallinger, Briana Dascombe, Sarah Dougherty, Piper Flynn*, Ariana Hira*, Faythe Manera, Layne Morgan, Renae Nona*, Shalom Sauaso, Catilin Urwin, Mel Wilks, Ivania Wong, Natalie Wright
Sevens: Charlotte Caslick, Kahli Henwood, Tegan Levi, Maddison Levi, Isabella Nasser
They suffered their worst ever season last year, coming last. There has been a clean-out, with Andrew Fraser coming in as the new head coach and a number of new signings, not least a formidable line-up of 7s stars. Caslick plus two Levis, anyone?
ACT Brumbies
Forwards: Siokapesi Palu, Lydia Kavoa, Sally Fuesaina, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Tania Naden, Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele*, Ashley Fernandez, Katalina Amosa, Iroha Kishimoto, Martha Fua, Chioma Enyi, Easter Savelio*, Jess Grant, Lily Bone, Edwina Munns-Cook*, Hannah Stewart, Piper Rankmore*, Ella Hopper*
Backs: Faitala Moleka, Biola Dawa, Ashlea Bishop, Merania Paraone*, Ana Naimasi*, Ella Ryan*, Bonnie Brewer, Gabrielle Petersen, Harmony Ioane, Jay Huriwai, Kyah Little, Manua Moleka*, Charlie Brigstocke*
Sevens: Demi Hayes, Bienne Terita and Tia Hinds
Inevitably, Canberra has the smallest local catchment area of the four native Aussie sides, so they have brought in a heap of international talent. It includes Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele from the USA and Iroha Kishimoto from Japan.
Western Force
Forwards: Nami Dickson*, Rosie Ebbage, Zoe Elliott*, Tamika Jones, Michaela Leonard, Loretta Mailangi, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Ashley Marsters*, Sera Naiqama*, Alapeta Ngauamo, Hannah Palelei, Allana Sikimeti*, Anneka Stephens, Megumi Takagi*, Pia Tapsell, Libya Teepa, Braxton Walker
Backs: Adi Vani Buleki*, Georgia Cormick, Halley Derera*, Grace Freeman, Haylee Hifo, Sheree Hume, Nicole Ledington Ngamihi Monk*, Trilleen Pomare, Cecilia Smith*, Brooklyn Teki-Joyce, Samantha Treherne, Taylor Waterson, Samantha Wood, Mio Yamanaka*
They are one of the most encouraging features of the current scene, developing into a force to be reckoned with. The number of asterisks shows the diligence with which they are building a resilient squad. The national captain, Michaela Leonard, now has another wise head alongside her, Ashley Marsters, to guide the troops.
Fijiana Drua
Forwards: Salanieta Nabuli, Bitila Tawake, Loranini Senivutu, Keleni Marawa, Isabella Koi*, Viki Matarugu, Tiana Robanakadavu, Anasimeci Korovata, Mereoni Nakesa, Asinate Serevi, Merevesi Ofakimalino, Karalaini Naisewa, Nunia Daunimoala, Raijieli Daveua*, Aflreda Fisher*, Carletta Yee*
Backs: Evivi Senikarivi, Noelani Baselala*, Kolora Lomani, Salanieta Kinita, Luisa Tisolo, Setaita Railumu, Josivini Naihamu*, Alowesi Nakoci*, Rusila Nagasau*, Vitalina Naikore, Merewairita Neivoha, Ema Adivitaloga, Repeka Tove, Imeri Nai*
After gaining two splendid trophies, they lost last year’s final by a street to Waratahs, so will be looking to rebuild strongly in a World Cup year. You can view the presence of Fijiana in the Super W in two ways:
1 A sensible policy of allowing Oceania teams the chance to take part in high-quality international competition, or
2 An indication of the lack of commitment across Australia: Victoria dropping out (Melbourne Rebels) and no South Australia.
With only five teams involved, the organisers are aware of possible developments, for example adding other Pasifika nations to the mix.
It will be quite fascinating seeing how Jo Yapp views developments. How many of the 7s stars will she include? How easily will they translate to the new format? The field can seem terribly crowded to some players. Give me space! I can’t breathe!
Schedule
28 February: The tournament kicks off in the biggest possible way with a game between Waratahs and Drua at the Allianz Stadium, Sydney (not Twickenham).
12 April: Grand Final
17 April: An innovation – the first ever Women’s Super Rugby Champions Final between the winners of Super W and the New Zealand Super Aupiki
