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Wallaroos & NZ to play historic Anzac Day Test

April 24, 2026 8:08 am in by
Australia's Michaela Leonard in action against England during the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup. (pic by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)

The Wallaroos will make history tomorrow night when they play New Zealand at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

It’s the first time a rugby Test has been played on Anzac Day.

And more history will be made with lock Michaela Leonard becoming the most-capped player in Wallaroos history after being named in the starting side to play the Black Ferns.

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Leonard, who captained the Wallaroos between 2023-2024, will go past the previous record set by Ashley Marsters when she runs out for a 46th time in the final Test match of the 2026 Pacific Four series.

The 31-year-old made her Wallaroos debut in 2019 against Japan in Newcastle and has since played 45 out of a possible 47 Test matches, including 16 as captain.

The Wallaroos have only played 99 Tests which puts Leonard’s contribution into perspective.

Wallaroos interim coach Sam Needs said “Playing on Anzac Day is a significant moment for our sport and the players and staff are incredibly honoured by the opportunity to represent our nation on a commemorative day.

“We are looking to finish our Pacific Four series strong after returning from the US trip with lifelong memories and experiences.

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“We’d also like to congratulate Michaela Leonard. It’s an incredible achievement for Michaela to become the most-capped Wallaroo and a credit to her longevity and determination to get better every day.”

The Wallaroos and Black Ferns play for the Laurie O’Reilly Cup each year with two international Test matches (home and away) with New Zealand holding the trophy since 1994.

The Wallaroos have never beaten the Black Ferns in 29 Tests.

Kickoff is at 7.45pm on Saturday.

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