Sevens queen set for Test debut after controversial World Cup false start
After a few false starts, sevens superstar Maddison Levi is in line to make her long anticipated Wallaroos debut against New Zealand in Auckland on August 22.
The 24-year-old try machine had hoped to represent Australia at the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England but withdrew from the squad in May after discussions with manager Mat Rogers.
Maddison Levi of Australia breaks a tackle. Getty
“I just don’t think it’s an appropriate step to take now,” Rogers said on Stan Sport’s Inside Line.
“I’m speaking from Maddi’s perspective purely out of care for her. I don’t want her to be set up to fail, and I think that’s what’s happening if they pursue it further this year.
“I don’t think she can (transition) in the time. She’s not going to have enough game time. It’s just unfair on her, and it’s unfair on the squad to throw her in there and expect her to be a world-beater that she is in sevens. It’s too much pressure.”
But after another season dominating the world sevens circuit, Levi was on Wednesday named in Tim Walsh’s squad for the 100th international in Wallaroos history.
Sevens guru Walsh is leading the XVs program for the rest of 2026 before Sione Fukofuka takes the reins next year.
“Achieving big ambitions requires an army of purpose-driven, disciplined and focused athletes with a management team that provides an environment that maximises potential,” Walsh said.
“It is a fresh start for everyone involved in the Wallaroos program and this next campaign is our responsibility to set a platform on the road to 2029 (home World Cup).
“In what should be a fantastic occasion for our 100th Test match, our promise to align both programs also starts with the inclusions of Maddison Levi, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea and Bienne Terita, who will add strike out wide.”
The Wallaroos have never beaten the Black Ferns.
Fukofuka was on Thursday confirmed as Wallaroos coach from 2027-29 after bailing on his commitments with Scotland.
Fukofuka has previously worked as an assistant coach of the Wallaroos before making his way to the United States to take on a head coaching position.
Sione Fukofuka seen while working as head coach of the USA Paul Harding
In 2025, Fukofuka departed the US and joined Scotland’s women’s team, which he led through five Tests.
“Although a difficult decision to leave the Scottish role, this opportunity allows me to be in Sydney closer to my family,” he said.
“I wish the players and staff all the best for the future. I know many of the players and coaches well from my time in the Queensland and Australian systems and, as we transition to a full-time program this year, the opportunity for growth is enormous.”
Walsh spoke highly of the 42-year-old.
“(Sione) is highly regarded by players and staff alike for his connection, team culture and driving high standards within the daily training environment and is well-positioned to lead the Wallaroos into a new era,” Walsh said.
“Sione’s deep passion for and knowledge of Australian rugby, along with his outstanding international coaching resume, makes him the ideal person to take charge of the Wallaroos’ program as it transitions to full-time status.”
Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh defended the drawn-out process to find a replacement after former coach Jo Yapp returned to England after last year’s World Cup.
“An enormous amount of planning and effort has gone into remodelling and invigorating the Wallaroos program as we look towards the home Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2029 and we are delighted Sione will lead the squad through this important phase,” Waugh said.
“Sione is a leader with a comprehensive knowledge of Australian and international systems and a reputation for creating world-class team environments and standards. He also has a strong relationship with recently appointed director of women’s rugby Tim Walsh and is respected across Australian rugby for his previous work with Queensland, the Australian sevens and Wallaroos programs.
“Tim has appointed a strong and experienced transition team to lead the Wallaroos until Sione’s commencement and I thank Sam and Gill for their commitment and contribution to the squad’s development for Tests against Fiji, Canada, USA and New Zealand this year.”
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