Australia Sends Players to England to Prep for 2029 World Cup

Australia is betting big on their women's rugby future by sending top players to compete in England's premier league ahead of the 2029 World Cup they'll host at home.

The official partnership with Premiership Women's Rugby will give Australian stars crucial experience against some of the world's best competition. Rugby Australia called the arrangement "invaluable" to their goal of competing deep into the 2029 tournament.

The strategy makes sense when you look at where Australia stands now. Currently ranked ninth in the world, the Wallaroos reached the quarter-finals in 2025 but lost badly to Canada, 46-5.

Reigning Wallaroos Player of the Year Tabua Tuinakauvadra, 23, became the first to sign under the partnership. She'll join Leicester Tigers on a contract running through April 2027, then return home for international matches and Australia's domestic season.

"With a home Rugby World Cup on the horizon, Rugby Australia is committed to exposing the Wallaroos to world-class competition wherever possible," said Peter Horne, the organization's director of high performance. "Gaining experience in a competition like the PWR will be invaluable for the players' development."

The Ripple Effect

Australia joins Wales, Scotland, Canada and the USA in recognizing England's league as a development opportunity for international talent. Even New Zealand's top players, including Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant, have sought contracts with English sides to fill gaps in playing time at home.

The trend shows how one strong domestic league can lift the entire sport globally. Players get more competitive matches, teams get elevated talent, and fans get better rugby across multiple countries.

The partnership reflects a broader truth about women's sports right now: nations are investing seriously in development pathways, not just hoping for success. Australia has nearly three years to prepare their players for a home World Cup, and they're using every opportunity to get ready.