women
international women
Australian rugby will bid farewell to two Wallaroos this week, with 33-Test center Cecilia Smith announcing she will hang up her international rugby boots after WXV Global Series conflict with Scotland at GIO Stadium in Canberra.
It will be the last time in the Wallaroos golden pair twice Rugby World Cup representative, and Emily Chancellor confirmed her plans to retire earlier this week. Smith has now done the same two days before the season finale.
Chancellor is the third most experienced Wallaroo to be named to start against the Scots with 41 Tests, while Smith is sixth overall with 33 international caps. Smith will start alongside 46-Test center Georgina Friedrichs for the last time at this level on Friday night.
Smith and Friedrichs combined in the midfield as the Wallaroos cruised to a record 73-0 win Samoa at the 2025 World Cup opener It was Smith’s second time playing at the Rugby World Cup, having been selected to play in the 2022 tournament in New Zealand.
Samoan-born Smith took up rugby at the age of 22, eventually leading to a Wallaroos debut against the Black Ferns in 2022. The Leeton Dianas product was also part of Australia’s historic claim WXV 2 title in 2024.
“I’m just a country girl from Lytton who decided to take up Foti after having her little girl and somehow ended up here representing Australia,” Smith said.
“I’ve been part of this team for a long time, and rugby has given me so much more than I ever expected, but now I’m excited for the next chapter.
“I have had the privilege of representing my country, playing in two World Cups, traveling the world, making lifelong friendships and sharing special memories with amazing women.
“We shared some incredible moments, and those are the things I will remember and cherish the most.
“I’m proud of my journey, proud of the memories I’ve made and proud to be a Wallaroo.”
Director of Women’s High Performance Tim Walsh added: “Cecilia has been a consistent player throughout her career for the Wallaroos.
“She’s quiet and unassuming, but she brings a great presence to the team that won’t be easily replaced.
“Her love for her teammates, family and the game is inspiring and she has left the jersey in a better place.”
Smith has not closed the door on playing another season of Women’s Super Rugby, having spent time with the Queensland Reds and most recently the Western Force.
The Wallaroos team will take on Scotland in Canberra
1. Allana Sikimeti – #212 (Western Force/Norths Rugby) – 7 appearances
2. Tania Naden – #197 (ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 34 appearances
3. Faliki Pohiva – #219 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 15 appearances
4. Kaitlan Leaney – #179 (NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 44 appearances
5. Tiarah Minns – #217 (Queensland Reds/Melbourne University) – 7 appearances
6. Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) – #194 (ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 32 games
7. Emily Chancellor – #158 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 41 games
8. Piper Duck – #185 (NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 31 games
9. Samantha Wood – #207 (Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby) – 20 games
10. Waiaria Ellis – #225 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 11 appearances
11. Amelia Whitaker – #237 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 4 games
12. Cecilia Smith – #190 (Western Force/Leeton Dianas) – 33 games
13. Georgina Friedrichs – #178 (NSW Waratahs/Wests Bulldogs) – 46 games
14. Maya Stewart – #196 (NSW Waratahs/Nelson Bay Gropers) – 28 appearances
15. Faitala Moleka – #199 (ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 35 caps
Substitutions
16. Brittany Merlo – #230 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 8 appearances
17. Brianna Hoy – #203 (NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbor Snappers) – 18 appearances
18. Eva Karpani – #171 (Queensland Reds/Southern Suburbs) – 49 games
19. Michaela Leonard – #168 (Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 51 games
20. Pia Tapsell – #236 (Western Force/North Shore Rugby Club) – 5 appearances
21. Lily Bone – #229 (ACT Brumbies/Orange City) – 7 drops
22. Piper Simmons – #231 (NSW Waratahs/Gordon Rugby) – 3 games
23. Ella Ryan – #234 (ACT Brumbies/Canberra Royals) – 1 game