Wallaroos want own Bledisloe-style rugby series against Black Ferns

WALLAROOS captain Ash Hewson says 2017 is the right time for Australia’s top rugby women to be playing a full trans-Tasman series alongside the men’s Bledisloe Cup.

Ash Hewson at the naming of the Buildcorp Wallaroos team for the New Zealand series. Pic: ARU Media/Stu Walmsley

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WALLAROOS captain Ash Hewson says 2017 is the right time for Australia’s top rugby women to be playing a full trans-Tasman series alongside the men’s Bledisloe Cup.

The call mirrors that of top rugby league women pushing to play their annual interstate challenge alongside the men’s State of Origin.

Ash Hewson and Wallaroos teammates.

Hewson believes the establishment of the new AFL Women’s league, all-Australian netball league, popularity of the WBBL and significant improvement in player payments for women proves there is both room, and a desire, for more top-level rugby.

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The last time the Wallaroos played a Test at home was back in 2008 with the team currently in New Zealand preparing for a match against New Zealand in the wake of their loss in the historic match played prior to the final Bledisloe Cup match between the Wallabies and All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday.

“To me having it played the same day, but for a different trophy of course, would show true equality,’’ said the long-serving Wallaroos captain.

“It would also give us such great exposure.

“I really do believe if people saw us play the game, saw out skills and how physical it is, they would be won over.’’

Sydney fly half Ashleigh Hewson on the move.

Competition for the men’s Bledisloe Cup has been held since the 1930s.

The Wallaroos have the expenses paid but do not receive payment for playing for Australia.

“It would be brilliant to get to that level,’’ Hewson said,.

“But at the same time we don’t do this for money. We all work fulltime or are studying.

“Money can’t buy the feeling of standing proudly and wearing an Australian jersey.’’

The 15s game has struggled for both attention and international match-play in recent times with the last Test match played by the Wallaroos back in 2014.

Saturday’s game, and a second Test on Wednesday will play a major part in the Wallaroos preparations for next year’s World Cup in Ireland.

With women’s rugby now the fastest growing area of the game, Hewson said there are moves afoot for more Tests to be played next year — potentially even a four-nation tournament involving New Zealand, Canada and World Cup titleholders England.

Hewson said the Wallaroos were disappointed with their seventh at the last World Cup with Test experience crucial to a better result in Ireland