Waratahs teen tyros set to tackle Queensland Reds at Santos Rugby festival, Waratahs squad revealed

With a new coach at the helm and a rejigged line-up, the Waratahs will preview a gang of schoolgirls to help them foil the Queensland Reds at the Santos rugby festival. SQUAD NAMED

Charlie Norton playing for CHS at a schoolgirl Sevens tournament. Picture: John Appleyard

The new-look Waratahs will boast some of the youngest players in the women’s Super Rugby comp this season with new coach Michael Ruthven set to give rugby a glimpse of its future against the Reds this weekend.

The Santos Festival of rugby will be played in Roma and will culminate in Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby women’s trials between the Waratahs and Reds late on Saturday.

And it’s not just pride on the line for the Waratahs who can collect a healthy $25,000 in prizemoney by repeating their 2023 feat and beating the Queensland Reds women.

The match will showcase the Waratahs new, old and burgeoning talent with their latest signing, Wallaroos lock and former Reds star Anabelle Codey.

Also in the squad is Wallaroo Arabella McKenzie who is returning after playing in the UK with the Harlequins.

CLUB RUGBY PROP CHASING OLYMPIC SPOT

Caitlyn Halse was the youngest player in history to play in women’s Super Rugby last year at just 16 - and still at school.

It is also expected some of the most exciting young talent in rugby will be sent into action at the event – including Waratahs new signing Waiaria Ellis, a talented Sevens player making the move to the 15-a-side game and fellow 16-year-old back rower Ruby Anderson.

Other teens include Caitlyn Halse, who debuted last year at just 16, and Charlie Norton from the Hunter Wildfires who has also been named to play in Roma.

Central Coast teen Millie Parker, on the comeback from an injury, also comes from a Sevens background with Ruthven hopeful she will be back for another trial match.

The teens are still at school but players Ruthven said have been named in the squad due to their talent and skills.

Waiaria Ellis at Waratahs training. Picture: Waratahs

“I’m a big believer they are the best people to be in this squad regardless of their age,’’ he said. “They will be two of the youngest players in Super Rugby and it’s great.

“The youth element is important for a sustainable future. We have five girls currently in our group still at school.’’

Ruthven said the Waratahs women are travelling north with the goal of claiming boasting rights on the Reds.

“They want to defend the title and win.’’ he said.

“We are sending out our strongest possible team given injuries and those available.

“The girls are ambitious and highly motivated for the season.’’

WARATAHS SQUAD FOR SANTOS FESTIVAL

Emily Robinson (Warringah Rats), Brittany Merlo (Sydney Uni), Bridie O’Gorman (Sydney Uni), Atasi Lafai (Two Blues), Annabelle Codey (Eastern Suburbs), Sky Churchill (Eastern Suburbs), Charlie Norton (Hunter Wildfires), Leilani Nathan (Warringah Rats), Layne Morgan (Hunter Wildfires), Arabella McKenzie (Eastern Suburbs), Jacinta Windsor (Eastern Suburbs), Cheech Barker (Warringah Rats), Georgina Friedrichs © (Eastern Suburbs), Jade Sheridan (Warringah Rats), Desiree Miller (Eastern Suburbs). RESERVES: Siusiuosalafai Volkman (Sydney Uni), Brianna Hoy (Sydney Uni), Viv Hingano (Warringah Rats), Hollie Cameron (Sydney Uni), Ruby Anderson (Sydney Uni), Martha Harvey (Eastern Suburbs), Waiaria Ellis (TBC), Rosie Ferguson (Eastern Suburbs).

WARATAHS WOMEN’S SUPER RUGBY SQUAD

Brianna Hoy, Emily Robinson, Nancy Volkman, Adiana Talakai, Brittany Merlo, Mille Parker, Bridie O’Gorman, Georgia Chapple, Atasi Lafai, Sera Naiqama, Annabel Codey, Hollie Cameron, Kaitlyn Leaney, Emily Chancellor, Piper Duck, Leilani Nathan, Layne Morgan, Tatum Bird, Martha Harvey, Arabella McKenzie, Waiaria Ellis, Desiree Miller, Maya Stewart, Jacinta Windsor, Katrina Barker, Georgina Friedrichs, Jade Sheridan, Rosie Ferguson, Caitlyn Halse, Eva Karpani, Skye Churchill.