Michaela Leonard set to become first Wallaroo to earn 50 Test caps against Scotland

Michaela Leonard will become the first player in history to reach 50 Test caps for the Wallaroos when she starts at lock against Scotland in Edinburgh this weekend, in what is Australia’s second match of the 2026 WXV Global Series.

The Western Force forward, who became Australia’s most-capped women’s player in April, has appeared in 49 of the 102 Wallaroos Tests played since the programme began in 1994. She lines up in the second row alongside Kaitlan Leaney as Australia seek their first win of the tournament after a 29-26 defeat to France in Aix-en-Provence last week.

Tim Walsh, Director of Women’s High Performance, acknowledged the significance of the occasion. “Statistically and objectively we have improved considerably throughout the last three Test matches and continuing on this tangent is our objective,” he said. “In terms of milestones we will celebrate with Michaela Leonard as she runs out onto the field for her record-breaking 50th Test.”

Head coach Walsh has made five changes to the matchday 23 from the France fixture. Brianna Hoy returns to the starting loosehead prop position, while Bridie O’Gorman, Emily Chancellor, Lily Bone and Jemma Bemrose are all named among the replacements. Front-rower Martha Fua is also included on the bench and is in line to make her first appearance of the European tour.

The backs are unchanged, leaving open another potential milestone: centre Desiree Miller needs just four points to become the first Wallaroo to reach 100 Test points.

Australia’s squad is drawn predominantly from the NSW Waratahs, with the ACT Brumbies and Western Force also represented. Captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona leads the side from number eight.