Wallaroos player of the year Tabua Tuinakauvadra has re-signed with Rugby Australia on a new contract, joining teammates Bridie O’Gorman, Samantha Wood and Tiarah Minns in committing to gold for another season.
Tuinakauvadra had a strong personal year in 2025 to be crowned the squad's best player by her peers following a season that included a maiden World Cup campaign.
The ACT Brumbies forward featured in all 11 Tests for the Wallaroos, scoring three tries and playing a monumental role in the forward pack.
General Manager of Women’s Rugby Jilly Collins said the retention of Tuinakauvadra was a tremendous boost for the squad.
“Tabua is a key figure within our setup, and we are thrilled to confirm her re-signing,” Collins said.
“Having our 2025 Wallaroos Player of the Year commit is fantastic for continuity as we continue to build this squad.”
The Wallaroos are in a retention period ahead of the 2026 international season, which includes 10 Test matches with dates and venues close to being announced.
O’Gorman re-signs with the Wallaroos program for a fourth year after making her international debut in 2022.
She first pulled on the rugby boots five years earlier at Sydney University at age 19 and has gone on to play 37 Tests for the Wallaroos.
“Bridie is a consistent performer in the all-important tight five, particularly in the set piece,” Collins said.
“She has been a mainstay in the Wallaroos program since making her debut in 2022 and is a tireless worker.”
Perth-born Wood, 21, made her debut last year in the Pacific Four series and has played 11 Tests for the Wallaroos to prove a future star ahead of the 2029 World Cup.
Wood’s goal-kicking impressed on the world stage with 10 goals including four from the sideline.
“Sammy successfully overcame injury early in the year and committed fully to earning her place in the World Cup squad,” Collins said.
“She played a key role for the team, starting at scrumhalf in all the World Cup matches and her future potential is incredibly promising.”
Minns extends her national contract after finishing as a finalist for Super Rugby Women’s player of the year in 2025.
Despite missing out on a World Cup spot, the 24-year-old will look to build on her three-Test tally in 2026.
“Tiarah had an outstanding Super Rugby Women’s campaign, which was rightly recognised with a Player of the Year nomination,” Collins said.
“She was deservedly rewarded with two Wallaroos appearances at the start of the year and we see her as a player with strong, exciting potential who is committed to continued growth.”
Tabua Tuinakauvadra
Position: Backrow
DOB: 27/12/2002
Caps: 22
Junior Club: Orange Emus
2025 Super Rugby Club: ACT Brumbies
Test Debut: Australia v Fiji, 2023
World Cups: 1 (2025)
Bridie O'Gorman
Position: Prop
DOB: 18/12/1998
Caps: 37
Junior Club: Sydney University
2025 Super Rugby Club: NSW Waratahs
Test Debut: Australia v Fiji, 2022
World Cups: 2 (2021, 2025)
Samantha Wood
Position: Scrumhalf
DOB: 17/7/2004
Caps: 11
Junior Club: Kalamunda Rugby
2025 Super Rugby Club: Western Force
Test Debut: Australia v Canada, 2024
World Cups: 1 (2025)
Tiarah Minns
Position: Lock
DOB: 6/4/2001
Caps: 3
Junior Club: Melbourne University
2025 Super Rugby Club: Queensland Reds
Test Debut: Australia v Ireland, 2024
