Rugby Australia

🔴 Sevens star Charlotte Caslick starts at fullback for Queensland Rugby Union (Queensland Reds). 🟡 Wallaroos captain Michaela Leonard plays her first game since Round 1 for Western Force. 🔵 Record-breaker Maya Stewart looks to add to her unprecedented tally of 40 tries + 200 points for NSW Waratahs. Excitement is 📈 ahead of Round 4️⃣ of SMARTECH Business Systems Super Rugby Women! More here: https://lnkd.in/gwwpeQJV

ISAAC’S BACK! Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs are excited to announce prop Isaac Kailea has agreed to a two-year contract extension through 2027 - becoming the latest #Wallaby to remain on home soil until at least the home Rugby World Cup. Kailea, 24, was capped eight times for Australia in 2024 after making his Test debut against WRU - Welsh Rugby Union in Sydney last July, thus becoming Wallaby No. 975. Of Tongan and Chilean descent, Kailea joins fellow Test forwards Fraser McReight, Matthew Faessler, Harry Wilson, Nick Frost, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Jeremy Williams in re-signing with Australian Rugby in recent weeks. Kailea said: “I'm happy to be able to have my immediate future sorted and to have some stability so I can focus on my Rugby here at the #Waratahs for at least the next three seasons. "I'm really enjoying my time here in Sydney with the team so far and working with the coaches to improve my game. "I'm looking forward to continuing to work hard and earn more opportunities to represent the blue and gold jerseys." Rugby Australia Director of High Performance Peter Horne said: “We are excited to lock in Issac for a further two years following a successful season in 2024 that included Tests against WRU - Welsh Rugby Union, Georgia Rugby Union, South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby), Unión Argentina de Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, Scottish Rugby and Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU). “At just 24 years old, Issac’s best rugby is still ahead of him and we are looking forward tosee him continue to evolve at provincial and international level.” NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar said: “It’s great to have Isaac on board for the next couple of years. He's a good young loosehead prop with enormous potential, working hard on his set piece game to develop around scrum, line out and maul which will complement his natural talents as a rugby player - very physical, good footwork and accurate on both sides of the ball. “He’s certainly someone that'll give us good strength and depth in a really important position.” More here: https://lnkd.in/g4aNwv2E

💯DAYS TO GO! The British & Irish Lions are headed to Australia for 9️⃣ games, across 6️⃣ cities, headlined by 3️⃣ momentous 🦘Tests. Final release tickets are selling fast for this once-in-12-year event. Be part of history: https://lnkd.in/g8NwJNvc

LIONS FIXTURES LOCKED IN! 🔒 Rugby Australia is delighted to confirm the final nine-game tour schedule for the Qatar Airways The British & Irish Lions Series, which will include an historic clash with the First Nations & Pasifika XV at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on Tuesday, July 22. RA is also pleased to announce that former #AllBlacks mentor Ian Foster will be part of the coaching staff for the AUNZ Invitational XV against the #Lions at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, July 12. The First Nations & Pasifika XV is the first time such a team has ever assembled. It will follow a match that has been billed as a ‘fourth Test’ between the AUNZ Invitational XV and the Lions - the first time in 30 years Australia and New Zealand have joined forces on the field. The Lions will also play all four Australian Super Rugby Pacific sides and three epic Tests against the #Wallabies. Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said: “We’re thrilled to be able to confirm the First Nations & Pasifika XV match in Melbourne, which will be a great celebration of those who continue to contribute enormously to the Australian Rugby community.” The British & Irish Lions CEO Ben Calveley said: “It is fantastic to confirm the match schedule for the 2025 Tour with the added fixture against a First Nations & Pasifika XV at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium - a game that everyone at the Lions is hugely excited about.” Victoria Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos said: “Melbourne will be absolutely buzzing when tens of thousands of British and Irish Lions fans visit, and it’s fantastic that we have two incredible matches locked in for fans to enjoy. “These events will be a huge boost for the Victorian economy, with fans flocking to hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes while they’re here and coverage of the matches showcasing Melbourne to the world.” 🏉 CONFIRMED SCHEDULE 🏉 Western Force v Lions - Saturday, June 28 at Optus Stadium Queensland Rugby Union (Queensland Reds) v Lions - Wednesday, July 2 at Suncorp Stadium NSW Waratahs v Lions - Saturday, July 5 at Allianz Stadium ACT Brumbies v Lions - Wednesday, July 9 at GIO Stadium AUNZ Invitational XV v Lions - Saturday, July 12 at Adelaide Oval 🦁🦘FIRST TEST: Wallabies v Lions - Saturday, July 19 at Suncorp Stadium First Nations & Pasifika XV v Lions - Tuesday, July 22 at Marvel Stadium 🦁🦘SECOND TEST: Wallabies v Lions - Saturday, July 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground 🦁🦘THIRD TEST: Wallabies v Lions - Saturday, August 2 at Accor Stadium

FINAL TICKET RELEASE! 🦁🦘 Rugby Australia has today released the final ticket allocation for this year’s eagerly-anticipated Qatar Airways The British & Irish Lions Series, which begins at Perth’s Optus Stadium in 100 days’ time. The #Lions tour is a highlight of the global sporting calendar and earlier ticket releases for this once-in-12-year event have sold quickly. The final allocation represents the last chance for supporters to purchase tickets and be part of the anticipated 500,000 fans to attend nine matches across six cities over six weeks. Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be able to offer the last available tickets for what’s going to be an absolutely unforgettable Lions Tour throughout June, July and August. “With just 100 days to go until the first match, it’s certainly not far away and whether you’re a lifelong Rugby supporter, a general sports fan or someone who loves live events, this Tour is something you must be a part of.” The British & Irish Lions CEO Ben Calveley said: "With the Tour schedule confirmed, we are excited to see the final ticket allocation released. Together we are set to welcome more than half a million fans at games in 2025 for what will be an amazing spectacle in one of the greatest sporting countries in the world. "For our own Lions supporters, #Wallabies fans and global sporting fanatics, this is the last opportunity to purchase tickets and be part of what will be a truly special six weeks.” FULL TOUR FIXTURES Western Force v Lions - Saturday, June 28 at Optus Stadium Queensland Rugby Union (Queensland Reds) v Lions - Wednesday, July 2 at Suncorp Stadium NSW Waratahs v Lions - Saturday, July 5 at Allianz Stadium ACT Brumbies v Lions - Wednesday, July 9 at GIO Stadium AUNZ Invitational XV v Lions - Saturday, July 12 at Adelaide Oval 🦁🦘FIRST TEST: Wallabies v Lions - Saturday, July 19 at Suncorp Stadium First Nations & Pasifika XV v Lions - Tuesday, July 22 at Marvel Stadium 🦁🦘 SECOND TEST: Wallabies v Lions - Saturday, July 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground 🦁🦘 THIRD TEST: Wallabies v Lions - Saturday, August 2 at Accor Stadium More here: https://lnkd.in/grU4YAvC Tourism Australia Destination NSW Tourism and Events Queensland Visit Victoria Tourism Western Australia South Australian Tourism Commission

Thank you to the incredible fans, players, coaches and officials who have made the first five rounds of SMARTECH Business Systems Super Rugby Pacific so special. A few fun facts: 🏉 34% average attendance increase year-on-year, 🏉 62.4 points per game is the highest in any Super Rugby season, 🏉 9.6 points winning margin is the fifth smallest in history, 🏉 44% of matches have been decided by four points or less, 🏉 Second highest average running metres per game since records started. And another cracking round is upon us headlined by the crucial NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies clash at Allianz Stadium as well as huge games for Queensland Rugby Union (Queensland Reds) away to the Highlanders and the Western Force at home to the Fijian Drua! More here: https://lnkd.in/gHswJejD

BOBBY V IS BACK! Two-time John Eales Medalist Rob Valetini will make his 2025 SMARTECH Business Systems Super Rugby debut in the ACT Brumbies’ crucial showdown with the NSW Waratahs at Allianz Stadium on Saturday. Valetini missed the first five rounds of the season with a hamstring injury and returns as the #Brumbies look to extend their winning streak to three after back-to-back victories over The Blues and Fijian Drua. “It’s a huge boost to have Rob back in our side,” #Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said. “He’s a world-class back row who possesses so many qualities that help our team.” FRIDAY Moana Pasifika v Chiefs Rugby Club SATURDAY Highlanders v Queensland Rugby Union (Queensland Reds) The Blues v Crusaders NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies SUNDAY Western Force v Fijian Drua Full teams and news: https://lnkd.in/gnHGjFEt

Kids from Briars Rugby Union, St Ives Junior Rugby Club, Beecroft and Bondi were the stars of Nine’s Today show this morning when launching the Get into Rugby program for the 2025 season. They were joined by NSW Waratahs and #Wallabies winger Max Jorgensen, Australian #Sevens star Faith Nathan, #Wallaroos flyer Desiree Miller and RA CEO Phil Waugh in Concord to announce Get into Rugby as the official, entry-level format for children aged 4-7. The new and improved Get into Rugby program offers two age-based streams to ensure that participants are within a developmentally appropriate environment that aligns with their individual needs and abilities: 🏉 Get into Rugby Walla (ages 4-5) introduces participants to the basic movements and skills of rugby through fun, small-sided activities, 🏉 Get into Rugby Tri Time (ages 6-7) builds on participants’ core skills by incorporating contact readiness activities, better preparing participants for junior rugby by building their confidence in contact including learning to fall and tackle safely. Rugby Australia Director of Community Rugby Michael Procajlo said: “We are excited to launch the new and improved Get into Rugby program today and would like to thank our junior clubs and associations for coming on board at this hugely exciting time for rugby. "All participants registering for Get into Rugby Walla or Tri Time this season will also receive a GILBERT Rugby Australia and New Zealand football delivered to their home.” More information: play.rugby.com.au

Sharing the ❤️ for our wondeful game across our great land. The Classic Wallabies and #Wallaroos teamed up with the ACT Brumbies last week for an inspiring visit to Southern Inland Rugby Union and Jindabyne Rugby. The #GoldBlooded tour, supported by R.M.Williams, is connecting the international game with the community by taking world class players and coaches around the country to share their knowledge, experiences and passion for rugby. The tour - and Wally the 🦘- then travelled north to visit the batemans bay boars and now heads to Canberra. More here: https://lnkd.in/gXdr827T

BIG RED MACHINE! The Queensland Rugby Union (Queensland Reds) have recorded a statement win over the previously unbeaten NSW Waratahs 35-15 before a passionate crowd of 20,072 at Suncorp Stadium. In an emotion-charged encounter between two long-time rivals, the #Reds proved too strong with tries to Heremaia Murray, Harry Wilson, Richie Asiata, Fraser McReight and Angus Blyth. The win moved the Reds to third on the SMARTECH Business Systems Super Rugby Pacific ladder, just ahead of the ACT Brumbies and #Waratahs. Report: https://lnkd.in/grrH6fNw Earlier, Macca Springer crossed for five tries as the Crusaders defeated the Western Force 55-33 in a free-flowing encounter in Christchurch. Report: https://lnkd.in/giwAUw-P