Wallaroos clash against USA delayed for nearly three hours after 'inclement' storms hit stadium
Updated . First published
The Wallaroos' clash against the USA was delayed by nearly two and a half hours after tornado warnings and severe storms in Kansas City continue to rock the team's Pacific Four series.
After a tornado warning earlier in the week forced the team to take shelter, severe thunderstorms and potential tornado activity was anticipated at CPKC Stadium.
The enormous storm front that brought the bad weather on Friday night local time stretched from southern Oklahoma all the way north to the Canadian border.
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"Due to forecasted inclement weather, the start of tonight's World Rugby Pacific Four Series at CPKC Stadium has been delayed until further notice," a statement read.
"We will provide regular updates when available...weather permitting, we anticipate playing both games of tonight's doubleheader with the USA/Australia match to begin at approximately 1:40 pm AEST.
An enormous storm front stretching from southern Oklahoma all the way north to the Canadian border brought tornado activity and delayed the Wallaroos clash with the USA by more than two hours. AccuWeather
"Thank you for your patience and cooperation."
USA beat the Australian women's team, 33-12.
Earlier in the week, the Wallaroos and training staff were evacuated from their hotel rooms in Kansas City due to an ongoing tornado warning in the region.
The team has already had to battle bizarre weather in the Pacific Four series after their game in Sacramento against Canada was played in front of zero fans due to lightning strikes.
The team issued a statement confirming they were evacuated in the evening due to "active tornados" in the Kansas City metro and the state of Missouri on Tuesday (AEST).
The Wallaroos trained in Kansas City in gusty and dry conditions on Tuesday morning before the weather alert was issued for the region.
"The Wallaroos...(were) evacuated from their hotel rooms in the evening due to active tornados in the region," the statement said.
The Wallaroos have been playing in wild weather games. Getty
"Players and staff were able to return to their rooms after an hour with the tornado warning still in place until 11pm local time."
The USA's National Weather Service has a continuous alert for the area, with both Kansas and Missouri part of the traditional 'tornado alley' that is set in the Great Plains of the United States of America.
Severe storms and tornados caused damage south of the Kansas City metro, with at least 8000 people losing power.
When asked by media, Samantha Wood spoke about the game in Sacramento and the "shock" of playing during the heavy rain and storm.
"It was a bit of a shock having to go, warm up, then get pulled back off the field," the scrumhalf admitted.
"You're soaking wet and then having to do that again. I think we adapted really well to it but it was a massive shock for us.
"Because we're just sitting down, waiting, conserving energy, hoping that the game's going to go ahead.
Watch the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season with every match streaming live and on demand on the home of rugby, Stan Sport
Nicole Ledington of the Wallaroos is tackled by Taylor Perry of Canada. Getty
"And to be honest, there was a part there where I think a few of us were like, 'I don't think it's going to go ahead.' So, the fact that we just got to play was awesome."
More games could yet be moved or cancelled as with damaging winds, hail, tornadoes and storm activity forecast until the end of the week.
