Sevens star Charlotte Caslick enjoying being out of her ‘comfort zone’ with the Wallaroos

Charlotte Caslick’s switch from sevens to the Wallaroos has been “daunting” but rewarding as she prepares for a likely Test debut.

Sevens star Charlotte Caslick says playing in this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England would be an “amazing experience” as she prepares for her expected Wallaroos debut on Saturday.

An Olympic Games gold medallist, Caslick has been named on Australia’s bench for the clash against Fijiana in Suva.

“I am really proud of myself,” she said.

“Being 30 years old and putting myself in a new environment, and out of your comfort zone, is always challenging.

“The way that I’ve gone about it was a little bit different to the other sevens girls, and I did a lot of it on my own.”

Caslick – who can be used at fullback, on the wing or as a fly half – pulled out of the second half of the World Series Sevens tour this year and played for the Queensland Reds in the Super Rugby Women’s competition.

Charlotte Caslick played for the Reds in this year’s Women’s Super Rugby competition. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“It’s been a little bit daunting at times, but I’ve been so well welcomed into the groups that I’ve joined, so I really haven’t felt out of place at all, which is a credit to both the (Reds and Wallaroos) program,” she said.

“Watching the 15-a-side game grow and develop, I was at a point in my career where I was really up for a challenge and something new.

“I love rugby, so I wanted to put my best foot forward to be a part of this squad. A rugby World Cup would be an amazing experience.”

Caslick said she would eventually return to sevens and hoped to play both formats of the sport as “much as possible”.

“It’s super important that the sevens girls do open their minds up to being involved in this (Wallaroos) program because ultimately it just makes them better footy players and Australian rugby stronger,” she said.

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National coach Jo Yapp said the likes of Caslick and fellow sevens star Tia Hinds, who is also set to make her Wallaroos debut on Saturday, were creating more depth in Australia’s talent pool.

“The energy they’ve brought in and how the girls have embraced them … it’s genuinely a great opportunity,” Yapp said.

“Charlotte’s been behind the laptop. She’s really wanting to develop her game and this is really exciting.”

Caslick said was “learning a lot” in “every single session”.

“Now that I’m a bit out of my comfort zone, I feel like everyone’s doing the best they can to prepare me and help me get comfortable with my role,” she said.

“It’s been challenging. There’s a lot of new language to learn and a lot of information coming my way, but … the challenge is great.

“As a rugby player, I’m developing.”