CommBank Matildas defender Charlie Rule earned the sixth cap of her national team career when she started in the centre of defence in the team’s 2-0 win against Kenya on Wednesday (Thursday morning AEST).
She reflected on her burgeoning career so far, saying that it was special to be able to walk out in the green and gold with this group of players.
“The team have welcomed me in really well,” she said.
“I feel like it's been really easy to come in and play. The girls have been really good, and it's really nice to play for this team. It feels very special. They want to achieve something special, and it's nice to be a part of it.”
Rule was a vital part of the team keeping a clean sheet in a challenging battle against the hosts.
“It's been tough conditions, but I think the games have gone well,” she said.
“We've played different opponents and I think we can come away from it learning lots from today.
“There were some quick players, so it was important to stay aware and be ready.”
A big part of the learning experience for Rule was playing in front of a boisterous crowd in Nairobi who were cheering against them.
“It's pretty sick. It's like a party here, good vibes, and I really enjoyed it,” she said.
“It was tough to communicate out there, actually. You just have to get close together and speak when you have time. It’s something different. I haven't played in front of many big crowds before, so it's a learning experience, and I definitely took a lot from it.”
Rule said that she enjoyed her time in Nairobi during the whole FIFA Series 2026™. Australia emerged as champions with the win.
“It's been unreal, a great experience,” she said.
“The people here are so nice. The atmosphere here was amazing tonight. I really enjoyed it here.”
The series was important preparation for the team as they look to learn and grow ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™, and for Rule personally as she continues to grow into her career.
“It’s important playing against different teams from different continents, and there's so many different styles of play over the world,” she said.
“So just getting as much experience as possible and playing as much as I can in this team, I'm definitely learning a lot and growing, and it feels nice to have a place.”