The Western Force is thrilled to
confirm the re-signing of newly called-up Wallaroos front-rower Zoe Elliott for
the 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s season.
Cottesloe
product Elliott earlier this week was sensationally called into the Wallaroos
squad for games for the first time, selected in the upcoming Fijiana Test and
Pacific Four Series.
The
25-year-old prop, who has a powerlifting background, had an initial taste of
Wallaroos camps last month, impressing to earn a formal call-up.
Such is her
rapid rise, Elliott could remarkably make her international debut before she
makes her Super W debut with the Force.
Elliott has
spent several seasons at the Force, coming through the development squad and
RugbyWA pathway as a lock, before transitioning into the front row, aided by
the guidance of ex-Force prop Chris Heiberg and initially Kieran Longbottom during
the Japan Spring Series in 2024.
She was
unable to break into the side during the 2025 Super W campaign, but enjoyed a
strong Fortescue Premier Grade season with Cottesloe before impressing again
during October’s North vs South Women’s Series.
Force head
coach Dylan Parsons said: “She’s one of our local players that we’ve invested
in over a few years and we’re thrilled to have her re-commit.
“She’s had
a journey, moving positionally from lock to prop. We painted a picture to her
about reaching the Wallaroos and she went after it and has worked really hard
to achieve that.
“To see
that potentially happen in less than 18 months, it’s really
positive for the hard work she’s put in but also for the program to help put her in
that position.
“It’s such
a tough position to learn as a front-rower but she’s done a really good job.
Her ceiling is really high. The Wallaroos have seen that potential as well.
“It’s
exciting to see what her next 12 months look like, both internationally and for
our 2026 Super W season where we anticipate she’ll be a key part of this team
for years to come.”
Elliott’s
re-signing takes the Force’s 2026 Super W squad to 14 members, with pre-season
commencing on Monday this week.
The 2026
Super W fixtures were confirmed on Wednesday, with the upcoming season shifting
windows to a June-July campaign. The Force’s first game is Saturday 13 June
away to Fijian Drua.
2026
Western Force Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s squad
Katalina
Amosa, Zoe Elliott, Grace Freeman, Nicole Ledington, Michaela Leonard,
Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Ngamihi Monk, Sera Naiqama, Alapeta Ngauamo, Hannah
Palelei, Cecilia Smith, Brooklyn Teki-Joyce, Braxton Walker, Sammy Wood