13 August 2025
The Australian Defence Force Women’s Rugby Union team is preparing to represent the nation at the International Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC) in England from August 15 to September 4.
Held every four years, the tournament brings together eight nations in a celebration of sport, camaraderie and international cooperation.
Army Lieutenant Ella Hopper, who played in the last IDRC, said representing Australia on the international stage was an unparalleled experience.
“I love being on the field, singing the national anthem all together, playing with your mates and leaving it all out there,” Lieutenant Hopper said.
“When you walk out on to that field and there’s a big crowd cheering, there’s just no other feeling like it.”
International competition gives ADF athletes the chance to test their skills against some of the world’s best military rugby players – an opportunity Leading Seaman Rayna Ellis is eager to embrace.
“I’m pretty nervous to play Fiji because they have a reputation of running and hitting hard, but it’s exciting. We all signed up for it,” Leading Seaman Ellis said.
“I’m super excited to meet people from other countries that you have something in common with – like we all enjoy playing rugby. So forming relationships with them will be great."
This year’s campaign also highlights Australia’s partnership with Fiji and Tonga. Defence is proud to enable Fiji and Tonga’s participation by funding the travel for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga (HMAF) women’s rugby teams.
With many Aussie players sharing heritage with both nations, this goes to show the deep bonds of community that unite us.
For Leading Aircraftwoman Caitlyn Costello, the opportunity to travel and play sport as part of her role is a major benefit of serving.
“It allows me to enjoy what I do on a day-to-day basis. Our work is a little more demanding than a civilian role so I think it’s a good incentive and reward for those in military fields,” Leading Aircraftwoman Costello said.
“It’s good retention to keep people interested and motivated, and it’s a great opportunity to be able to excel outside of our military career.”
'From a coaching perspective, it’s so exciting to see the level of competition.'
The final squad of 30 was selected from a pool of 44 players during a training camp in Sydney.
ADF head coach Lieutenant Commander Rob Drinkwater said the high level of skill on display made team selection difficult.
“Across every position, there was a massive amount of competition for places and because of that, it raised the standard of play as well,” Lieutenant Commander Drinkwater said.
“From a coaching perspective, it’s so exciting to see the level of competition.”
With nearly 30 years’ coaching experience – including as assistant coach for the English women’s Rugby World Cup team – he has high hopes for the squad.
“We’re in a really tough pool. We’ve got France first up – the current title holders – and we play Fiji in our second game, who beat us for third place last time,” Lieutenant Commander Drinkwater said.
“The goal is to have a top-two finish in the pool and then it becomes this whole new competition. And I think a top-two finish in the pool is well within our realms.”
Before departing, the team shared a dinner with the Australian Wallaroos women’s rugby side, who are also heading to England for the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The ADF will face defending IDRC champions France in their opening match on August 18.
