Australian women's rugby team faces setback as key player Caslick rules out World Cup participation
Australian rugby union star Charlotte Caslick, a three-time Olympian and a gold medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will miss the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup due to an ankle injury. The syndesmosis injury, which required surgery in July, has ruled her out of the tournament just before departure.
Caslick, who was selected as a centre for the Wallaroos, Australia's women's XVs rugby team, had been eager to make her mark in the 15-a-side format and compete in the World Cup. Her absence is a significant blow to the Australian team, as she was considered a star recruit for the XV side.
The World Cup competition is taking place in England this August, with Australia's campaign opener scheduled against Samoa on the 23rd. This is the first appearance in the Australian squad for Manu’a Moleka, who has been named as Caslick's replacement.
Coach Jo Yapp expressed her disappointment about Caslick's situation, acknowledging the player's commitment to the 15-a-side game and the Wallaroos this year. Despite being named in the squad, Caslick's injury prevented her from participating in the tournament.
Caslick, born in Brisbane on March 9, 1995, has a storied career in rugby sevens and touch football. She co-captained the Australian sevens team to gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2022 Sevens Rugby World Cup. Her recovery timeline had shifted, and medical advice led to her exclusion to focus on rehabilitation with the possibility of joining the competition later as an injury replacement if needed.
The best World Cup result achieved by Australia was third place in 2010. The team will be hoping to improve on that performance this year, despite Caslick's absence. The location of the campaign opener is Salford, where the Wallaroos will aim to start their journey towards potential glory on a positive note.
Caslick, with her notable success in rugby sevens and touch football, was looking forward to transitioning her talent to the 15-a-side format and playing football in the World Cup. Unfortunately, her injury that necessitated surgery in July will keep her from football at the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, preventing her from representing the Wallaroos on the field in England this August.
