Emily Chancellor retires from Wallaroos after 41 caps and eight-year international career

Emily Chancellor, the Wallaroos’ 19th captain, has retired from international rugby after 41 appearances for Australia, with her final Test coming against Scotland in the WXV Global Series in Canberra this weekend.

The 35-year-old loose-forward made her debut against the Black Ferns in Sydney in 2018, three years after first entering the national team environment in 2015. She went on to represent Australia at two Rugby World Cups, in 2021 and 2025, and was appointed captain for the first time earlier this year.

Despite stepping away from the international game, Chancellor will remain available for the NSW Waratahs in the Swytx Super Rugby Women’s competition.

“The privilege of representing Australia is one that I will hold close to my chest for a lifetime, but after eight years I’ve decided the time is right to close this chapter and hang up my international boots,” Chancellor said.

“My international journey has been filled with amazing friendships, unforgettable experiences, hard work and so many lessons, both on and off the field. It’s time for new opportunities and challenges, and I can’t wait to be a massive cheerleader for the Wallaroos as we continue to build, grow and succeed into our 2029 home World Cup and beyond.”

Rugby Australia’s Director of Women’s High Performance, Tim Walsh, paid tribute to Chancellor’s contribution to the programme over the past decade.

“Emily has been a fantastic player and ambassador for the Wallaroos since coming into the program in 2015,” Walsh said. “Her dedication and commitment to the game of rugby has left an enduring mark for those to come. Wallaroo No.158 and the 19th Wallaroos captain, Emily’s work ethic and passion for the jersey means she has left it in a better place.”