Charlotte Caslick, the Australia back, has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup after failing to recover from ankle surgery.
Injury Background
Caslick, 30, sustained the injury in last month’s defeat by New Zealand, but she hoped to be back in time for the Wallaroos’ opening match against Samoa on 23 August. The Olympic gold medallist and Sevens World Cup winner switched to the 15s code this year to represent Australia in England, relishing the challenge of the longer format.
Caslick’s Statement
“In sport, sometimes the toughest opponent is time,” Caslick wrote on Instagram. “I’m proud of the challenge I took on, converting to 15s, and I feel I grew not only on the field, but off it as well. I couldn’t be more proud to call myself a Wallaroo, and I’ll be cheering the girls on from home loudly over the next month. Some endings aren’t fair, but they still come.”
Replacement Named
Head coach Jo Yapp has named uncapped 18-year-old Manua Moleka as Caslick’s replacement.
Possibility of Return
Yapp hasn’t ruled Caslick out entirely, allowing for the possibility she could link back with the squad “at the end of the pool stage or the quarter-final” should injury strike.
Tournament Details
The Rugby World Cup 2025 kicks off on 22 August and wraps at Twickenham on 27 September.