A global superstar in the Sevens game who switched to 15s to fulfil her dream of playing at the World Cup, Caslick has been racing the clock to recover in time for the tournament after she underwent surgery for an ankle injury she suffered playing against New Zealand last month. As late as last week, the 2016 Rio Olympic gold medallists, was still holding out hope she would make the trip but was told she just hasn’t recovered quickly enough. With the Wallaroos due to fly out of Sydney for England on Monday, coach Jo Yapp said Caslick would now remain in Australia and continue to undergo rehabilitation, but will remain on standby if another player goes down. “We’re really disappointed to lose Charlotte so close to the World Cup. She has shown great commitment to the XVs program and Wallaroos this year,” Yapp said. Caslick will be replaced in the Australian squad by uncapped teenager Manua Moleka. There is still a chance Caslick could be called up later in the tournament if anyone else gets injured and the Australians make it to the knockout stages. The Wallaroos are due to play three pool games, against Samoa, United States and England, with the quarterfinals not beginning until mid September. “Charlotte’s timeline to get back for our pool matches has changed and following medical advice, the decision was made to allow her to continue on an accelerated recovery program, where she could be available as an injury replacement should we require a player later in the tournament,” Yapp said. “We’re really fortunate and excited that Manu’a can join us for the World Cup. Manu’a has been part of the touring squad since the start of the international Test season and thoroughly deserves her opportunity to join us.” Originally published as Wallaroos star recruit Charlotte Caslick to miss Rugby World Cup after ankle surgery