Wallaroos Lose Charlotte Caslick to Ankle Injury Before Rugby World Cup

Charlotte Caslick, the Olympic gold medallist and three-time Olympian, has been ruled out of the Wallaroos' Rugby World Cup campaign due to an ankle injury that required surgery and an accelerated recovery period. Despite being included in Australia's 32-player squad with hopes of returning for the second pool game, medical advice has led to her remaining in Australia for rehabilitation, with uncapped centre Manu’a Moleka replacing her. Caslick had shifted her focus full-time to the 15-a-side code from sevens this year and was considered a key backline talent, having played five Tests and showing promise in the centres before her injury against New Zealand. Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp expressed disappointment at losing Caslick but highlighted the opportunity for Moleka, who has been part of the international test season tour. Caslick could still join the squad later as an injury replacement if needed, but she will miss the Wallaroos' opening match against Samoa on August 23. The injury timeline suggests she would not be fit until at least the quarter-finals, making her participation in the tournament's early stages impossible.