The Wallaroos are delighted to announce the re-signings of World Cup stars Desiree Miller, Eva Karpani, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart and Waiaria Ellis to new contracts for the 2026 season.
The quintet will remain in gold ahead of a bumper women’s calendar next year that includes 10 Test matches and tours to the US and Europe.
Miller, who made her international debut in 2023, enjoyed a stellar season in Wallaroos colours this year to feature in every Test match which included eight tries in 11 games.
The 23-year-old crossed for six tries in her maiden Rugby World Cup campaign to now be just one shy of Stewart’s current record of 16 in gold.
"Desi's incredible consistency on the wing has been a standout feature over the past couple of seasons," General Manager of Women's Rugby Jilly Collins said.
"She is the only player to have worn the number 11 jersey since the start of the Test season in 2024, a run of 21 consecutive Test matches.
"Her attacking power is undeniable, highlighted by her six tries in just four matches at the Rugby World Cup. I am thrilled to see what the future holds for this star player."
Karpani will enter an eighth season with the Wallaroos in 2026 after notching her 41st cap at the Rugby World Cup.
The Adelaide junior burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old when she played Rugby Sevens alongside Wallaroos teammate and Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Caslick at the Australian Youth Olympics Festival in Sydney.
Named Wallaroos player of the year in 2023, Karpani moved from the NSW Waratahs to Queensland Reds this year and continued her run of form through to the World Cup.
“Eva has cemented her position as one of the most established and influential players in the squad,” Collins said.
“She is treasured by the rugby public in Australia and globally for her powerful, dynamic ball running and it's great to see her re-commit to the squad.”
Friedrichs notched her 38th cap with the Wallaroos in their quarterfinal loss to Canada and was recently crowned 2025 Super Rugby Women’s player of the year.
The Rugby Sevens convert transitioned to XVs in 2019 and is the complete professional and ultimate competitor in the Wallaroos system.
“Georgina is a model of elite consistency at the top of her game,” Collins said.
“Her commitment is impressive and she repeatedly delivers when needed, which was perfectly underscored by her 2025 Super Rugby Women’s Player of the Year award.
“Despite the strong competition, she has firmly maintained possession of the crucial outside centre jersey and we are delighted she has secured her Wallaroos contract for 2026.”
Stewart is the leading try-scorer in Wallaroos history with 16 five-pointers in 22 Test appearances.
The Nelson Bay product was named player of the year for the Wallaroos in 2024 and leads the Super Rugby Women with most tries in the competition’s history.
"The re-signing of Maya Stewart is a massive boost for the program," Collins said.
"As one of a handful of players targeting the 2029 Rugby World Cup as her third tournament, she brings invaluable experience and professionalism to the squad.
"Her recent success as a key player in the Australia A Sevens team, which won the Women’s International Invitational competition in Dubai, demonstrates her continued development and impact.
"We have no doubt she will continue to shine brightly in the gold jersey."
Ellis re-commits to the national program after becoming one of the youngest players to debut for the Wallaroos in July at just 17.
One of the most exciting talents in Australian rugby, Ellis played three Tests for the Wallaroos with the Blacktown Scorpions junior looking to expand on that tally next season.
The light-footed teenager has spent the past month training with the Australian Rugby Sevens national squad before touring with the Australia A side in Dubai.
Ellis is a class utility option for interim coach Sam Needs with the ability to play fullback, wing or flyhalf if required.
"At still only 18 years old, Waiaria’s recommitment to rugby union through 2026 is a great indication of her drive, desire and ambition in the game," Collins said.
"The 2025 season was a massive year for her, featuring a Wallaroos debut in New Zealand, selection in the Rugby World Cup squad and competing for the Australia A Sevens team in Dubai.
"We are excited for what’s in store and how far she can take her game in 2026."
Desiree Miller
- Position: Wing
- DOB: 13/1/2002
- Junior Club: Eastern Suburbs
- 2025 Super Rugby Club: NSW Waratahs
Eva Karpani
- Position: Prop
- DOB: 18/6/1996
- Junior Club: Southern Suburbs
- 2025 Super Rugby Club: Queensland Reds
Georgina Friedrichs
- Position: Centre
- DOB: 14/4/1995
- Junior Club: Wests Bulldogs
- 2025 Super Rugby Club: NSW Waratahs
Maya Stewart
- Position: Wing
- DOB: 14/3/2000
- Junior Club: Nelson Bay Gropers
- 2025 Super Rugby Club: NSW Waratahs
Waiaria Ellis
- Position: Utility Back
- DOB: 11/9/2007
- Junior Club: Blacktown Scorpions
- 2025 Super Rugby Club: NSW Waratahs
