‘Proud to be a Wallaroo’: Another Aussie World Cup star makes career call

Australian rugby will say farewell to two Wallaroos stalwarts this week, with 33-Test centre Cecilia Smith announcing she will hang up her international rugby boots after the WXV Global Series clash with Scotland at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.

It’ll be the last time in Wallaroos gold for a couple of two-time Rugby World Cup representatives, with Emily Chancellor confirming her retirement plans earlier this week. Smith has now done the same two days before the season finale.

Chancellor is the third-most experienced Wallaroo named to start against the Scots with 41 Test caps, while Smith ranks sixth overall with 33 international appearances. Smith will start alongside 46-Test centre Georgina Friedrichs for the final time at this level on Friday night.

Smith and Friedrichs combined in the midfield as the Wallaroos claimed a record-setting 73-0 win over Samoa in their 2025 World Cup opener. It was Smith’s second time playing at a Rugby World Cup, having been selected to play at the 2022 tournament in New Zealand.

Samoa-born Smith started playing rugby at 22 years of age, which ultimately led to a Wallaroos debut against the Black Ferns in 2022. The Leeton Dianas product was also part of Australia’s squad that claimed a historic WXV 2 title in 2024.

“I’m just a country girl from Leeton who decided to give footy a crack after having my little girl and somehow I ended up here representing Australia,” Smith said.

“I’ve been a part of this team for a long time now, and rugby has given me so much more than I ever expected but I’m excited for the next chapter now.

“I’ve had the privilege of representing my country, playing in two World Cups, travelling the world, making lifelong friendships, and sharing special memories with amazing women.

“We’ve shared some incredible moments, and those are the things I’ll 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 is quiet and humble but brings a great presence to the team that won’t be easily replaced.

“Her love for her teammates, her family and the game is inspiring and she has left the jersey in a better place.”

Smith hasn’t closed to the door on playing another Super Rugby Women’s season, having spent time at the Queensland Reds and more recently the Western Force.

Wallaroos team to take on Scotland in Canberra

1. Allana Sikimeti – #212 (Western Force/Norths Rugby) – 7 caps
2. Tania Naden – #197 (ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 34 caps
3. Faliki Pohiva – #219 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 15 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney – #179 (NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 44 caps
5. Tiarah Minns – #217 (Queensland Reds/Melbourne University) – 7 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) – #194 (ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 32 caps
7. Emily Chancellor – #158 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 41 caps
8. Piper Duck – #185 (NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 31 caps
9. Samantha Wood – #207 (Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby) – 20 caps
10. Waiaria Ellis – #225 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 11 caps
11. Amelia Whitaker – #237 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 4 caps
12. Cecilia Smith – #190 (Western Force/Leeton Dianas) – 33 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs – #178 (NSW Waratahs/Wests Bulldogs) – 46 caps
14. Maya Stewart – #196 (NSW Waratahs/Nelson Bay Gropers) – 28 caps
15. Faitala Moleka – #199 (ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 35 caps

Replacements

16. Brittany Merlo – #230 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 8 caps
17. Brianna Hoy – #203 (NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 18 caps
18. Eva Karpani – #171 (Queensland Reds/Southern Suburbs) – 49 caps
19. Michaela Leonard – #168 (Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 51 caps
20. Pia Tapsell – #236 (Western Force/North Shore Rugby Club) – 5 caps
21. Lily Bone – #229 (ACT Brumbies/Orange City) – 7 caps
22. Piper Simons – #231 (NSW Waratahs/Gordon Rugby) – 3 caps
23. Ella Ryan – #234 (ACT Brumbies/Canberra Royals) – 1 cap