Wallaroos Captain Michaela Leonard to Earn 25th Test Cap in Crucial Clash Against Black Ferns
Michaela Leonard, the captain of the Australian Wallaroos, will earn her 25th Test cap on Saturday as her side takes on rivals New Zealand in a crucial Laurie O’Reilly Cup clash. It’s a remarkable milestone for the 29-year-old second-rower, who had never even watched a rugby union game before 2018.
Leonard, a Canberra native, was initially focused on swimming and basketball, representing her state in the latter sport before “burning herself out a bit.” She then transitioned to social Oztag and rugby league, playing in the inaugural Katrina Fanning Cup in 2017, before making the switch to union in 2018.
“Everything I’ve experienced up to date, it’s incredible to be a part of, it’s a massive honour and I think I’m just grateful for the opportunities I have had and the chances I’ve had to travel the world and met some pretty incredible women.”
Despite her lack of exposure to the 15-a-side game, Leonard’s rise has been meteoric. Within a year of picking up the sport, she was called up to the Wallaroos squad and even captained the Australia A team at the end of 2019. Since then, the versatile forward has gained invaluable experience, plying her trade in the Women’s Super Rugby, Super Rugby Aupiki, and top-level competitions in England and France.
Now, as the leader of the Wallaroos, Leonard will lead her side into battle against the formidable Black Ferns at North Harbour Stadium in a blockbuster Pacific Four Series clash. The trailblazing captain, who admits the journey has been “crazy” and “pinch yourself stuff,” is understandably thrilled to reach the milestone of 25 international appearances.
Fans can tune in to watch the Australia-New Zealand showdown live and free on RugbyPassTV by signing up on the platform.
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