Wallaroos Take Refuge in US Hotel During Tornado

The Australian women’s rugby union team, the Wallaroos, were forced to seek emergency shelter inside their team hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, as a tornado approached the area.

The incident occurred on April 13, 2026, local time, while the touring squad was preparing for their upcoming match against the United States. According to reports from the Australian Associated Press, the team had just finished dinner and were preparing for the night when an alarm sounded over the hotel’s speaker system.

Hotel guests and team members were instructed to evacuate their rooms and move into hallways or stairwells, staying away from windows to avoid potential injuries from shattering debris. A member of the travelling staff noted that a huge storm was unfolding in the darkness outside, accompanied by thunder and howling noises.

Impact on Preparations and Schedule

The weather disruptions have cast doubt on several scheduled activities for the team. The Wallaroos had planned a tour of Arrowhead Stadium later in the week to meet with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, but that event, along with training plans and the match itself, now appear uncertain due to ongoing tornado warnings in the region.

The severe weather followed a day of challenging conditions on the training field. On April 13, 2026, the team trained in abnormally hot and windy conditions, which are often indicators of an approaching tornado. The winds were severe enough to cause windburn for some of the players following the afternoon session.

Interim coach Sam Needs expressed concern regarding the unfamiliar situation unfolding outside the hotel, although the playing group is believed to have remained in good spirits. After approximately one hour, hotel management announced that guests could return to their rooms, though they were advised to remain on alert until 11 p.m. Local time on April 13, 2026.

Pacific Four Series Context

The Wallaroos are currently in the United States as part of the Pacific Four Series, a competition that includes Canada, New Zealand and the US. The team is scheduled to face the US on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

This is not the first time the touring side has encountered severe weather during the series. Their previous match against Canada in Sacramento was delayed by 80 minutes due to nearby storms. During that event, a large crowd was evacuated and subsequently barred from re-entering the venue due to safety concerns.

The squad, which includes flyhalf Nicole Ledington, continues to navigate the logistical and environmental challenges of the North American tour while preparing for the final stages of the tournament.