Millie Boyle has known for a couple of days she would get to play in the Rugby World Cup, but had been sworn to secrecy until Wednesday’s team announcement.
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The 19-year-old Cobargo export was named atop the list of front rowers in the 28-woman strong Wallaroos squad announced for the international rugby union fixture in August.
“I’m over the moon about this opportunity,” Boyle said after the announcement.
“I've worked hard to be here and I am so excited to go into it with my team-mates, it will be an awesome experience for sure.”
Boyle said she felt “extremely lucky” to be announced in the team, especially given the World Cup only rolls around once every four years.
And she doesn’t hope to just get her name on the list, no, Boyle aims to stand up and be counted.
“My biggest aim is really making an impact,” she says. “[I’m focused on] making the advantage line with every run, being a good drive in defence and attack and helping in support.”
Messages of support had been flowing in steadily on both the phone and social media Wednesday and Boyle said it was encouraging to have so many people backing her and her efforts.
“Everyone has been so supportive, I just want to say a massive thank you to all my family and friends back home,” she said.
The strong front rower praised the experience of Test outings in the recent Four Nations, pitting the Wallaroos against England, New Zealand and Canada – three of the top tier teams globally.
“I really think that having those couple of tests under my belt will be a huge help,” she said.
“They're the three best teams in the world and they're the standard we need to match.
“In our pool we’ll face France, Ireland and Japan, which will be tough matches, but hopefully with the experience we have now we’ll be ready for that.”
Coach Paul Verrell said he was excited about the inclusion of new players like Boyle.
"We have had some solid preparation during our Test series in New Zealand earlier this month, and had the opportunity to blood some new talent at Test level,” Verrell said. “It's time for the next generation of Wallaroos to really step up.”
Boyle also said she was thrilled to see the Far South Coast embracing women’s rugby through the Falcons under 15s and under 17s teams.
“The Falcons are an awesome building platform and I wish the team was around when I was coming up,” she said.
“They’re doing amazing things for women in the sport and helping build a strong future and best of luck of luck to those girls.”