(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Australian rugby star Charlotte Caslick has been ruled out of the Wallaroos’ Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign due to injury.
The three-time Olympian and rugby sevens gold medallist recently underwent ankle surgery. She was initially named in the squad with hopes of returning for the team’s second pool match later this month, but medical advice has altered her recovery timeline.
Wallaroos head coach Jo Yapp confirmed that Caslick will now continue an accelerated rehabilitation program and could be available as an injury replacement later in the tournament. In her place, uncapped centre Manu’a Moleka has been called up to the squad. Moleka, who has been part of the touring team since the start of the Test season, will join her sister Faitala in representing Australia at the Cup.
“Manu’a thoroughly deserves this opportunity, and we’re excited to have her on board,” Yapp said.
Caslick, who switched from sevens to the 15-a-side format this year, had already made an impact in five Tests, scoring on her first touch against New Zealand before sustaining the injury in the same game last month.
Australia, aiming to better their best-ever third-place finish from previous tournaments, will open their campaign against Samoa on August 23.
