The Wallaroos’ burgeoning footprint on Australian rugby is set to receive another timely boost, with the announcement of a two-test series on home soil against Japan this July.

Reigning champions New South Wales Women have kicked off their title defence with a comprehensive 26-0 defeat over Brumbies Women in Canberra at the weekend. The first game of the new Super W season was played as a curtain-raiser to the Brumbies v Chiefs clash, and the visitor’s played up to the bigger arena, controlling large periods of the match to run in four tries whilst also leaving several opportunities out on the field.