NSW Waratahs coach Mike Ruthven is calling for an expanded Super Rugby Women's competition with trans-Tasman involvement, firmly believing "the game needs it".
The Tahs crossed the Tasman to play Kiwi sides from the Super Rugby Aupiki during the pre-season, and although they lost 41-26 against the Hurricanes, they did grab a 36-36 draw against New Zealand women's champions the Auckland Blues.
Only four teams feature in the Kiwi competition and five in the Super Women's, meaning matches between Australian and NZ teams are few and far between.
Ruthven said the idea of growing the sport, especially with the 2025 Women's World Cup in England looming and the 2029 global showpiece in Australia to come, was crucial.
"The game needs it. There's a huge appetite over there for (expansion) to happen as well," he said.
"There's been some positive conversation on what 2026 would look like. I'd like to think that it happens in the short-term future.
"There's an acknowledgement that (both nations) need to cross over and expand the game.
"(Playing in New Zealand) was excellent for us. It's important that we build the season around our pre-season with the competition being so short, and to get the opportunity to play meaningful, competitive footy that's going to challenge us."
The Waratahs boast 17 Wallaroos in their 2025 Super squad, including the country's all-time leading try-scorer Maya Stewart, making them favourites to successfully defend their 2024 title.
Their international depth is what makes them the team to beat this Super Rugby Women's season as they aim to go back-to-back after winning a fifth premiership in emphatic style last year.
They face the Fijian Drua on Friday in an opening-round rematch of last year's grand final.
The Drua's pre-season trial loss to the Brumbies, when they conceded 52 points, means the 2024 runners-up will need to tighten up.
Nevertheless, Ruthven said he was keen to face the Drua.
"It's a good grand final rematch from last year, so it's a good fixture for us to get started on," he said.
"We've had some turnover of our group, some players leave, a few injuries in pre-season, but our five debutantes thoroughly deserve their opportunity on Friday night, and we're looking forward to them playing."
Elsewhere, the Western Force will host the ACT Brumbies in Perth on Saturday.
Force coach coach Dylan Parsons praised his team's defence after their pre-season tour of Japan.
The Brumbies enter this season with new coach Andy Friend, who led the Australian sevens side from 2016-18.
Code-switcher Ella Ryan said she enjoyed a great pre-season with the Brumbies and was looking forward to round one.
"We had a really good camp, which brought us together," the halfback said.
"I've heard really good things about (Friend). We are ready and raring to go for round one."
