Jo Yapp Anticipates Charlotte Caslick’s Return for the Women’s 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 global event, which begins on August 22, but Caslick was a notable absence from the team as she recovered from surgery.
The three-time Olympian and gold medalist in rugby sevens in 2016 was ruled out after revealing that she had fractured her leg and doctors declared that 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. I am very sad and disappointed to share that I will not be joining the girls in England for the World Cup. Four weeks ago I fractured my fibula and tore my syndesmosis. We set out to turn a 10 to 12 week recovery into six, but we decided on Friday that it was best for me and the team to make the decision now, as I will not be available for the initial rounds.
Caslick was initially included in the team, before the difficult decision was made to leave her in Australia.
“I really feel for Charlotte because we know how brave her decision was. She fully embraced the 15 (players) game,” Yapp said at Sydney airport.
“He gave it his all and I have a lot of respect for that, and I hope this isn’t really the end of his career in 15.”
With the Wallaroos needing two wins from their three group games 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,” said the coach.
“Continue with an accelerated recovery. She’s 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.”
The 30-year-old player had paused her seven-year career, switching full-time to the 15-player code this year to add influence to the Wallaroos Cup load.
Caslick had played five matches and was starting to find his place in the center, scoring with his first touch 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But the backline talent, who last week said rehabilitation was on track, has been replaced by the inexperienced teenage center Manu’a Moleka, who joins her sister Faitala in the Wallaroos team.
“We are really fortunate and excited that Manu’a can join us for the World Cup,” said Yapp.
“Manu’a has been part of the touring team since the start of the international match season and fully deserves his opportunity.”
Australia, whose best result is third place in seven World Cup appearances, begins its campaign against Samoa in Manchester on August 23.
The Wallaroos will face the United States in York on August 30 and the tournament hosts in Brighton on September 6.
