Caslick Out of Rugby World Cup: Injury Halts Dream with Wallaroos

Hope for Charlotte Caslick’s Return with the Wallaroos at the Rugby World Cup

Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp remains hopeful that Charlotte Caslick will rejoin the team for the final stages of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, after an ankle fracture prevented the attacking star from traveling to England. The Wallaroos departed Sydney on Monday for the world event, which will begin on August 22. Caslick was a notable absence from the team as she recovered from syndesmosis surgery. The three-time Olympian and 2016 rugby sevens gold medalist was ruled out after revealing she had fractured her leg, and doctors declared she had no chance of participating in Australia’s first two matches against Samoa and the United States.

In sports, sometimes the toughest opponent is time.

Charlotte Caslick

Caslick shared her disappointment on Instagram:

Charlotte Caslick’s Post

Caslick was initially included in the team, before making the difficult decision to leave her in Australia.

I really feel for Charlotte because we know what a brave decision it was. She fully embraced the 15 (players) game.

Jo Yapp

Yapp also added:

He gave his all and I have a lot of respect for that, and I hope this isn’t really the end of his 15-a-side rugby career.

Jo Yapp

With the Wallaroos needing two wins from their three group matches against Samoa, the United States and favourites England to reach the quarter-finals, Yapp says Caslick could still feature if they make the knockout stages from September 13.

That’s what we expect.

Jo Yapp

The coach added:

She continues with an accelerated return. She is not within the 32, so it would require an injury for Charlotte to join us, but if she continues as she is doing, then yes.

Jo Yapp

The 30-year-old player had paused her career in rugby sevens, switching full-time to the 15-a-side code this year to add influence to the Wallaroos’ Cup load. Caslick had played five games and was starting to find his rhythm in the center, scoring with his first contact against New Zealand before suffering the injury at the end of that same game last month. But the backline talent, who last week said rehabilitation was going well, has been replaced by the inexperienced teenage center Manu’a Moleka, who joins her sister Faitala in the Wallaroos team.

We are very fortunate and excited that Manu’a can join us for the World Cup.

Jo Yapp

Yapp also commented:

Manu’a has been part of the touring team since the start of the international test season and fully deserves his opportunity.

Jo Yapp

Australia, whose best result is third in seven World Cup appearances, begins its campaign against Samoa in Manchester on August 23. Then, the Wallaroos will face the United States in York on August 30 and the tournament hosts in Brighton on September 6.