Latest news with #Caslick
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Stewart's return takes on greater importance after star ruled out of World Cup
Maya Stewart's timely return for the Rugby World Cup took on even greater importance on Monday as Wallaroos trump card Charlotte Caslick was ruled out due to an ankle injury. The inclusion of Stewart, who made a rapid recovery from a knee injury to be part of Australia's World Cup squad, will somewhat temper the loss of the rugby sevens star. Caslick paused her sevens career, making a full-time switch to the 15-a-side code this year to add clout to the Wallaroos' Cup charge. The three-time Olympian was just starting to find her feet in the centres before being ruled out. Uncapped Wallaroos centre Manu'a Moleka has been called up for Caslick, who could still feature as an injury replacement later in the tournament. But, having a fighting fit Stewart back in the squad is a huge boost. Three years on from making her Wallaroos debut with a singular appearance at the last World Cup in New Zealand, the Nelson Bay flyer is now an established lethal weapon on the international stage. Stewart has quickly become Australia's all-time leading tryscorer and was named Wallaroos player of the year in 2024. The NSW Waratahs star will be a focal point of the Australian attack as they face Samoa (August 23), United States (August 31) and hosts England (September 7) in the group phase with an eye on reaching the quarter-finals. "I was such a young kid, probably a bit naive at the last World Cup," Stewart said. "Rolling into this World Cup, I feel more evolved as a player and a bit more established and keen to rip into a few games. "I've probably changed a bit, maturing and playing more footy and spending a bit more time in the international set-up. "So it's kind of cool to go from being a naive 22-year-old debuting at a World Cup, which is crazy, but now I'm 25 and I feel at a different place in my career." Stewart's World Cup dreams looked shattered in May when the barnstorming winger sustained a knee injury playing a Test against Fijiana in Fiji. After two previous long-term injuries - the 25-year-old has torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in both knees - she feared the worst. "Once you had a few serious injuries, you know when something's not right," Stewart told the Newcastle Herald before flying to England on Monday afternoon bound for the World Cup. "I didn't sleep that whole night in Fiji. I just wanted to get home. I couldn't get a scan over there and I was fully convinced I'd done my ACL, and I wasn't going to the World Cup." It turned out to be a meniscal injury, which was "more painful" but less serious than a torn ACL. After three months on the sidelines, Stewart marked her return to action in Australia's 36-5 win over Wales at North Sydney Oval on August 1 with a try. "They probably thought my rehab was going to be a bit quicker than what it was, but for me, I would rather go a little bit slower, miss a few more games and have it really right for the big event," Stewart said. "I felt really good in that game." Stewart produced a player-of-the-match performance as the Wallaroos beat Scotland 31-22 in South Africa in October last year to claim the WXV2 trophy and secure World Cup qualification. They have played seven Tests, five on home soil, in the past three months to prepare for the tournament. "[Last year's performance] was reassuring, considering we've only just started to go full-time," Stewart said. "It shows the potential of where our program is at and it gives you more confidence; with a bit more time together and a bit more training, that's the sort of performances that we can produce. "It's really nice leading into this knowing off the back of '24, we've had some time together. It's really simple stuff, just a little bit more training, connections here and there and being able to nut out a bit more classroom work as well. "The program is still not centralised, but, with the amount of time that we're having in camps and dedicated to Test matches, it feels like we almost are." Hunter products Layne Morgan, Kaitlan Leaney and Ashley Marsters are also in the Wallaroos' World Cup squad in England. Australia's best result in seven Cup appearances is third. Maya Stewart's timely return for the Rugby World Cup took on even greater importance on Monday as Wallaroos trump card Charlotte Caslick was ruled out due to an ankle injury. The inclusion of Stewart, who made a rapid recovery from a knee injury to be part of Australia's World Cup squad, will somewhat temper the loss of the rugby sevens star. Caslick paused her sevens career, making a full-time switch to the 15-a-side code this year to add clout to the Wallaroos' Cup charge. The three-time Olympian was just starting to find her feet in the centres before being ruled out. Uncapped Wallaroos centre Manu'a Moleka has been called up for Caslick, who could still feature as an injury replacement later in the tournament. But, having a fighting fit Stewart back in the squad is a huge boost. Three years on from making her Wallaroos debut with a singular appearance at the last World Cup in New Zealand, the Nelson Bay flyer is now an established lethal weapon on the international stage. Stewart has quickly become Australia's all-time leading tryscorer and was named Wallaroos player of the year in 2024. The NSW Waratahs star will be a focal point of the Australian attack as they face Samoa (August 23), United States (August 31) and hosts England (September 7) in the group phase with an eye on reaching the quarter-finals. "I was such a young kid, probably a bit naive at the last World Cup," Stewart said. "Rolling into this World Cup, I feel more evolved as a player and a bit more established and keen to rip into a few games. "I've probably changed a bit, maturing and playing more footy and spending a bit more time in the international set-up. "So it's kind of cool to go from being a naive 22-year-old debuting at a World Cup, which is crazy, but now I'm 25 and I feel at a different place in my career." Stewart's World Cup dreams looked shattered in May when the barnstorming winger sustained a knee injury playing a Test against Fijiana in Fiji. After two previous long-term injuries - the 25-year-old has torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in both knees - she feared the worst. "Once you had a few serious injuries, you know when something's not right," Stewart told the Newcastle Herald before flying to England on Monday afternoon bound for the World Cup. "I didn't sleep that whole night in Fiji. I just wanted to get home. I couldn't get a scan over there and I was fully convinced I'd done my ACL, and I wasn't going to the World Cup." It turned out to be a meniscal injury, which was "more painful" but less serious than a torn ACL. After three months on the sidelines, Stewart marked her return to action in Australia's 36-5 win over Wales at North Sydney Oval on August 1 with a try. "They probably thought my rehab was going to be a bit quicker than what it was, but for me, I would rather go a little bit slower, miss a few more games and have it really right for the big event," Stewart said. "I felt really good in that game." Stewart produced a player-of-the-match performance as the Wallaroos beat Scotland 31-22 in South Africa in October last year to claim the WXV2 trophy and secure World Cup qualification. They have played seven Tests, five on home soil, in the past three months to prepare for the tournament. "[Last year's performance] was reassuring, considering we've only just started to go full-time," Stewart said. "It shows the potential of where our program is at and it gives you more confidence; with a bit more time together and a bit more training, that's the sort of performances that we can produce. "It's really nice leading into this knowing off the back of '24, we've had some time together. It's really simple stuff, just a little bit more training, connections here and there and being able to nut out a bit more classroom work as well. "The program is still not centralised, but, with the amount of time that we're having in camps and dedicated to Test matches, it feels like we almost are." Hunter products Layne Morgan, Kaitlan Leaney and Ashley Marsters are also in the Wallaroos' World Cup squad in England. Australia's best result in seven Cup appearances is third. Maya Stewart's timely return for the Rugby World Cup took on even greater importance on Monday as Wallaroos trump card Charlotte Caslick was ruled out due to an ankle injury. The inclusion of Stewart, who made a rapid recovery from a knee injury to be part of Australia's World Cup squad, will somewhat temper the loss of the rugby sevens star. Caslick paused her sevens career, making a full-time switch to the 15-a-side code this year to add clout to the Wallaroos' Cup charge. The three-time Olympian was just starting to find her feet in the centres before being ruled out. Uncapped Wallaroos centre Manu'a Moleka has been called up for Caslick, who could still feature as an injury replacement later in the tournament. But, having a fighting fit Stewart back in the squad is a huge boost. Three years on from making her Wallaroos debut with a singular appearance at the last World Cup in New Zealand, the Nelson Bay flyer is now an established lethal weapon on the international stage. Stewart has quickly become Australia's all-time leading tryscorer and was named Wallaroos player of the year in 2024. The NSW Waratahs star will be a focal point of the Australian attack as they face Samoa (August 23), United States (August 31) and hosts England (September 7) in the group phase with an eye on reaching the quarter-finals. "I was such a young kid, probably a bit naive at the last World Cup," Stewart said. "Rolling into this World Cup, I feel more evolved as a player and a bit more established and keen to rip into a few games. "I've probably changed a bit, maturing and playing more footy and spending a bit more time in the international set-up. "So it's kind of cool to go from being a naive 22-year-old debuting at a World Cup, which is crazy, but now I'm 25 and I feel at a different place in my career." Stewart's World Cup dreams looked shattered in May when the barnstorming winger sustained a knee injury playing a Test against Fijiana in Fiji. After two previous long-term injuries - the 25-year-old has torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in both knees - she feared the worst. "Once you had a few serious injuries, you know when something's not right," Stewart told the Newcastle Herald before flying to England on Monday afternoon bound for the World Cup. "I didn't sleep that whole night in Fiji. I just wanted to get home. I couldn't get a scan over there and I was fully convinced I'd done my ACL, and I wasn't going to the World Cup." It turned out to be a meniscal injury, which was "more painful" but less serious than a torn ACL. After three months on the sidelines, Stewart marked her return to action in Australia's 36-5 win over Wales at North Sydney Oval on August 1 with a try. "They probably thought my rehab was going to be a bit quicker than what it was, but for me, I would rather go a little bit slower, miss a few more games and have it really right for the big event," Stewart said. "I felt really good in that game." Stewart produced a player-of-the-match performance as the Wallaroos beat Scotland 31-22 in South Africa in October last year to claim the WXV2 trophy and secure World Cup qualification. They have played seven Tests, five on home soil, in the past three months to prepare for the tournament. "[Last year's performance] was reassuring, considering we've only just started to go full-time," Stewart said. "It shows the potential of where our program is at and it gives you more confidence; with a bit more time together and a bit more training, that's the sort of performances that we can produce. "It's really nice leading into this knowing off the back of '24, we've had some time together. It's really simple stuff, just a little bit more training, connections here and there and being able to nut out a bit more classroom work as well. "The program is still not centralised, but, with the amount of time that we're having in camps and dedicated to Test matches, it feels like we almost are." Hunter products Layne Morgan, Kaitlan Leaney and Ashley Marsters are also in the Wallaroos' World Cup squad in England. Australia's best result in seven Cup appearances is third. Maya Stewart's timely return for the Rugby World Cup took on even greater importance on Monday as Wallaroos trump card Charlotte Caslick was ruled out due to an ankle injury. The inclusion of Stewart, who made a rapid recovery from a knee injury to be part of Australia's World Cup squad, will somewhat temper the loss of the rugby sevens star. Caslick paused her sevens career, making a full-time switch to the 15-a-side code this year to add clout to the Wallaroos' Cup charge. The three-time Olympian was just starting to find her feet in the centres before being ruled out. Uncapped Wallaroos centre Manu'a Moleka has been called up for Caslick, who could still feature as an injury replacement later in the tournament. But, having a fighting fit Stewart back in the squad is a huge boost. Three years on from making her Wallaroos debut with a singular appearance at the last World Cup in New Zealand, the Nelson Bay flyer is now an established lethal weapon on the international stage. Stewart has quickly become Australia's all-time leading tryscorer and was named Wallaroos player of the year in 2024. The NSW Waratahs star will be a focal point of the Australian attack as they face Samoa (August 23), United States (August 31) and hosts England (September 7) in the group phase with an eye on reaching the quarter-finals. "I was such a young kid, probably a bit naive at the last World Cup," Stewart said. "Rolling into this World Cup, I feel more evolved as a player and a bit more established and keen to rip into a few games. "I've probably changed a bit, maturing and playing more footy and spending a bit more time in the international set-up. "So it's kind of cool to go from being a naive 22-year-old debuting at a World Cup, which is crazy, but now I'm 25 and I feel at a different place in my career." Stewart's World Cup dreams looked shattered in May when the barnstorming winger sustained a knee injury playing a Test against Fijiana in Fiji. After two previous long-term injuries - the 25-year-old has torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in both knees - she feared the worst. "Once you had a few serious injuries, you know when something's not right," Stewart told the Newcastle Herald before flying to England on Monday afternoon bound for the World Cup. "I didn't sleep that whole night in Fiji. I just wanted to get home. I couldn't get a scan over there and I was fully convinced I'd done my ACL, and I wasn't going to the World Cup." It turned out to be a meniscal injury, which was "more painful" but less serious than a torn ACL. After three months on the sidelines, Stewart marked her return to action in Australia's 36-5 win over Wales at North Sydney Oval on August 1 with a try. "They probably thought my rehab was going to be a bit quicker than what it was, but for me, I would rather go a little bit slower, miss a few more games and have it really right for the big event," Stewart said. "I felt really good in that game." Stewart produced a player-of-the-match performance as the Wallaroos beat Scotland 31-22 in South Africa in October last year to claim the WXV2 trophy and secure World Cup qualification. They have played seven Tests, five on home soil, in the past three months to prepare for the tournament. "[Last year's performance] was reassuring, considering we've only just started to go full-time," Stewart said. "It shows the potential of where our program is at and it gives you more confidence; with a bit more time together and a bit more training, that's the sort of performances that we can produce. "It's really nice leading into this knowing off the back of '24, we've had some time together. It's really simple stuff, just a little bit more training, connections here and there and being able to nut out a bit more classroom work as well. "The program is still not centralised, but, with the amount of time that we're having in camps and dedicated to Test matches, it feels like we almost are." Hunter products Layne Morgan, Kaitlan Leaney and Ashley Marsters are also in the Wallaroos' World Cup squad in England. Australia's best result in seven Cup appearances is third.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Injury seemingly cruels Caslick's Wallaroos Cup dream
Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp is clinging to the hope Charlotte Caslick will rejoin the Wallaroos for the business end of the Women's Rugby World Cup after a broken ankle denied the attacking trump a seat on the plane to England. The Wallaroos flew out of Sydney on Monday for the global showpiece starting on August 22, but Caslick was a conspicuous absentee from the squad while recovering from syndesmosis surgery. The three-time Olympian and 2016 rugby sevens gold medallist was ruled out after revealing she'd fractured her leg and medics declared she was no chance of featuring in Australia's first two pool games against Samoa and the USA. "In sport, sometimes the toughest opponent is time," Caslick posted on Instagram. "I am saddddd and disappointed to share that I won't be joining the girls in England for the RWC. "Four weeks ago I fractured my fibula and ruptured my syndesmosis. "We set our sights on pushing a 10-12 week recovery into six, but we decided on Friday it's best for myself and the team to make the call now as I won't be available for the opening rounds." Caslick was initially included in the squad, before the tough call was made to leave her in Australia. "I really feel for Charlotte because we know what a brave decision it was. She fully embraced the 15 (a side game)," Yapp said at Sydney airport. "She threw herself into it wholeheartedly and I have so much respect for her for that, and I hope that this isn't actually the end of her 15s career." With the Wallaroos needing two wins from their three pool games against Samoa, USA and title favourites England to make the quarter-finals, Yapp says Caslick could still feature if they make the knockout stages starting on September 13. "That's what we're hoping for," the coach said. "She continues on an accelerated return. She's not within the 32, so it would require an injury for Charlotte to join us, but if she continues the way she is, then yeah." The 30-year-old had paused her sevens career, making a full-time switch to the 15-a-side code this year to add clout to the Wallaroos' Cup charge. Caslick had played five Tests and was beginning to find her feet in the centres, scoring with her first touch against New Zealand before suffering the injury late in that same game last month. But the backline talent, who last week said rehabilitation was on track, has been replaced by uncapped teenage centre Manu'a Moleka, who joins sister Faitala in the Wallaroos' squad. "We're really fortunate and excited that Manu'a can join us for the World Cup," Yapp said. "Manu'a has been part of the touring squad since the start of the international Test season and thoroughly deserves her opportunity." Australia, whose best result is third in seven Cup appearances, begin their campaign against Samoa in Manchester on August 23. The Wallaroos then face the USA in York on August 30 and the tournament hosts in Brighton on September 6. Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp is clinging to the hope Charlotte Caslick will rejoin the Wallaroos for the business end of the Women's Rugby World Cup after a broken ankle denied the attacking trump a seat on the plane to England. The Wallaroos flew out of Sydney on Monday for the global showpiece starting on August 22, but Caslick was a conspicuous absentee from the squad while recovering from syndesmosis surgery. The three-time Olympian and 2016 rugby sevens gold medallist was ruled out after revealing she'd fractured her leg and medics declared she was no chance of featuring in Australia's first two pool games against Samoa and the USA. "In sport, sometimes the toughest opponent is time," Caslick posted on Instagram. "I am saddddd and disappointed to share that I won't be joining the girls in England for the RWC. "Four weeks ago I fractured my fibula and ruptured my syndesmosis. "We set our sights on pushing a 10-12 week recovery into six, but we decided on Friday it's best for myself and the team to make the call now as I won't be available for the opening rounds." Caslick was initially included in the squad, before the tough call was made to leave her in Australia. "I really feel for Charlotte because we know what a brave decision it was. She fully embraced the 15 (a side game)," Yapp said at Sydney airport. "She threw herself into it wholeheartedly and I have so much respect for her for that, and I hope that this isn't actually the end of her 15s career." With the Wallaroos needing two wins from their three pool games against Samoa, USA and title favourites England to make the quarter-finals, Yapp says Caslick could still feature if they make the knockout stages starting on September 13. "That's what we're hoping for," the coach said. "She continues on an accelerated return. She's not within the 32, so it would require an injury for Charlotte to join us, but if she continues the way she is, then yeah." The 30-year-old had paused her sevens career, making a full-time switch to the 15-a-side code this year to add clout to the Wallaroos' Cup charge. Caslick had played five Tests and was beginning to find her feet in the centres, scoring with her first touch against New Zealand before suffering the injury late in that same game last month. But the backline talent, who last week said rehabilitation was on track, has been replaced by uncapped teenage centre Manu'a Moleka, who joins sister Faitala in the Wallaroos' squad. "We're really fortunate and excited that Manu'a can join us for the World Cup," Yapp said. "Manu'a has been part of the touring squad since the start of the international Test season and thoroughly deserves her opportunity." Australia, whose best result is third in seven Cup appearances, begin their campaign against Samoa in Manchester on August 23. The Wallaroos then face the USA in York on August 30 and the tournament hosts in Brighton on September 6. Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp is clinging to the hope Charlotte Caslick will rejoin the Wallaroos for the business end of the Women's Rugby World Cup after a broken ankle denied the attacking trump a seat on the plane to England. The Wallaroos flew out of Sydney on Monday for the global showpiece starting on August 22, but Caslick was a conspicuous absentee from the squad while recovering from syndesmosis surgery. The three-time Olympian and 2016 rugby sevens gold medallist was ruled out after revealing she'd fractured her leg and medics declared she was no chance of featuring in Australia's first two pool games against Samoa and the USA. "In sport, sometimes the toughest opponent is time," Caslick posted on Instagram. "I am saddddd and disappointed to share that I won't be joining the girls in England for the RWC. "Four weeks ago I fractured my fibula and ruptured my syndesmosis. "We set our sights on pushing a 10-12 week recovery into six, but we decided on Friday it's best for myself and the team to make the call now as I won't be available for the opening rounds." Caslick was initially included in the squad, before the tough call was made to leave her in Australia. "I really feel for Charlotte because we know what a brave decision it was. She fully embraced the 15 (a side game)," Yapp said at Sydney airport. "She threw herself into it wholeheartedly and I have so much respect for her for that, and I hope that this isn't actually the end of her 15s career." With the Wallaroos needing two wins from their three pool games against Samoa, USA and title favourites England to make the quarter-finals, Yapp says Caslick could still feature if they make the knockout stages starting on September 13. "That's what we're hoping for," the coach said. "She continues on an accelerated return. She's not within the 32, so it would require an injury for Charlotte to join us, but if she continues the way she is, then yeah." The 30-year-old had paused her sevens career, making a full-time switch to the 15-a-side code this year to add clout to the Wallaroos' Cup charge. Caslick had played five Tests and was beginning to find her feet in the centres, scoring with her first touch against New Zealand before suffering the injury late in that same game last month. But the backline talent, who last week said rehabilitation was on track, has been replaced by uncapped teenage centre Manu'a Moleka, who joins sister Faitala in the Wallaroos' squad. "We're really fortunate and excited that Manu'a can join us for the World Cup," Yapp said. "Manu'a has been part of the touring squad since the start of the international Test season and thoroughly deserves her opportunity." Australia, whose best result is third in seven Cup appearances, begin their campaign against Samoa in Manchester on August 23. The Wallaroos then face the USA in York on August 30 and the tournament hosts in Brighton on September 6.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Video: Caslick ruled out of Rugby World Cup
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The Age
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
Caslick ruled out of Rugby World Cup
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Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Australia suffer World Cup blow as Caslick ruled out
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox MELBOURNE - Former Olympic sevens champion Charlotte Caslick has been ruled out of the women's Rugby World Cup in England in a blow for Australia's hopes of a maiden title. Caslick, who was named sevens World Player of the Year in 2016, damaged her ankle against New Zealand last month but was included in Jo Yapp's Australia squad last week. Yapp said on Monday Caslick's timeline to recover and be available during the World Cup pool phase had changed. "Following medical advice, the decision was made to allow her to continue on an accelerated recovery program, where she could be available as an injury replacement should we require a player later in the tournament," Yapp said in a Rugby Australia statement. "We're really disappointed to lose Charlotte so close to the World Cup. She has shown great commitment to the XVs program and Wallaroos this year." Uncapped centre Manu'a Moleka has been called into the squad as a replacement. "We're really fortunate and excited that Manu'a can join us for the World Cup," added Yapp. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Healthy lifestyle changes could save Singapore $650 million in healthcare costs by 2050: Study Business Keppel to sell M1 unit's telco business to Simba for $1.43 billion Business Nvidia, AMD agree to pay 15% of China chip sale revenues to US: Sources Singapore BTO income ceiling, age floor for singles being reviewed: Chee Hong Tat World Netanyahu says Israel's new Gaza offensive will start soon Opinion Anwar's government: Full house but plenty of empty offices Singapore Man's claim amid divorce that his mother is true owner of 3 properties cuts no ice with judge Business Singapore can deliver and thrive in a fragmented global economy: Morgan Stanley analysts "Manu'a has been part of the touring squad since the start of the international test season and thoroughly deserves her opportunity to join us." Australia open their tournament against Samoa in Manchester on August 23 before further pool matches against the United States and England. REUTERS
