Wallaroos legend Liz Patu never thought she’d play international rugby in her homeland.
That’s set to change in less than a fortnight with Patu – Australia’s all-time cap leader with 33 Tests – called up to headline a historic Australia A women's tour to Samoa.
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Delivered in partnership with Lakapi Samoa and the Australian government’s PacificAus Sports program, a 26-women squad littered with Wallaroos will travel to Apia for a one-off international clash with Manusina in Apia.
For Reds prop Patu, it’s more than a return to international rugby following her Test retirement in 2022 and the birth of her son.
It’s also a homecoming.
“When I first got a call about it, Craigy (coach Simon Craig) just wanted a bit of guidance about activities for the girls to do over in Samoa but not long after than he called back and said he’s running out of props,” Patu told rugby.com.au.
“I told him I haven't been training much - just club games on Saturdays - but it's an amazing opportunity. Since I’ve played for the Wallaroos there’s never been an Aus A team.
“To be honest, it’s a bit nerve-wracking. I’ve got family still in Samoa and my mum’s already called all the aunties and uncles.
“It'd be a massive step for me to play in front of my home crowd and family because I’ve never toured there before for rugby but at the same time it’s so exciting for the girls and I hope (Aus A) can become a real pathway to Test rugby.”
The Australia A-Manusina clash will also end a 15-year drinks break between the two nations with their last meeting way back in 2009 during Rugby World Cup qualification (won 87-0 by Australia).
The COVID-19 pandemic denied Patu the chance to face Manusina with a two-Test series in 2021 postponed indefinitely but the front rower is determined to play whatever role is needed come September 16.
“If I’m selected for the match day squad, this would be the first time I’d play against them," Patu said.
“Samoa were at my first World Cup in 2014 but they were in another pool – I still went along and watched them play.
“It’s going to be a historic time in Apia. I’m really glad I’m a part of the Aus A tour and even if I don’t get out there, I think my Samoan heritage and front row experience will be good for the girls over there.”
In a statement, Rugby Australia's national women's high performance manager Jaime Fernandez described the tour as an "important pathway and engagement activity".
"Securing the Australia A opportunity is critical to providing more of our players with international rugby experience," Fernandez said.
"When combined with the team playing in the upcoming World Rugby WXV2 tournament, 56 players will be actively engaged in international fixtures throughout 2024, growing the depth of our talent pool."
Australia A depart for Samoa next week with the Wallaroos also kicking off their European Tour against Ireland on September 14.
