Wallaroos forward Michaela Leonard is one of the most experienced players in the Australian squad and a mainstay since making her international debut in 2019.
Leonard grew up a talented basketballer with her height quickly being identified as an advantage at line-out, with the lock position becoming her own once she took the sport up ahead of the inaugural 2018 Super Rugby Women's season.
Leonard is originally from Canberra, playing for the ACT Brumbies, before moving to the Western Force in 2023.
Leonard represented the Wallaroos at the rescheduled 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
She took over the Wallaroos captaincy in 2023 following an injury to Piper Duck and retained the role in 2024.
In 2024, Leonard guided the Wallaroos to WXV 2 victory in Cape Town as captain of the side while she played in all 10 Test matches throughout the season.
She played a further 10 Tests in 2025, including a second Women's Rugby World Cup.
Leonard became the most-capped Wallaroo during the 2026 Pacific Four series, now leading with 46 overall.
ML 18/08/26
Career
 |
Australia Women No 4 Lock |
2022 - present |
 |
Western Force Women No 4 Lock |
2023 - present |
 |
Matatu Women No 4 Lock |
2022 - 2023 |
 |
Brumbies Women Tighthead Prop |
2022 - 2023 |
 |
Exeter Chiefs Women No 4 Lock |
2023 - 2024 |
