WRU women’s rugby boss Belinda Moore hints at staying beyond World Cup

Wales are due to fly to Australia this weekend ahead of a two-Test tour against the Wallaroos in Brisbane and Sydney.

Eyebrows were raised over both the expense and timing of a demanding tour so close to the crucial opening World Cup game against Scotland on 23 August.

But Moore explained it is part of a reciprocal arrangement after Australia toured Wales ahead of WXV2 last year.

“They [Australia] are picking up a lot of the costs when we’re on the ground and we’ve got support from World Rugby as well,” she said.

“Although it’s a long way to go, it’s actually a cost-effective solution and gives us a chance to play some really good opposition, which is important.

“In terms of recovery, we’re back here very early on in August, which gives us three weeks before the tournament starts and longer than the southern hemisphere teams have when they come over here.

“People will still reckon New Zealand will be competitive, so I think we’ll be good.”