New Waratahs captain Emily Chancellor to lead three-peat charge

Wallaroos backrower Emily Chancellor has been named the NSW Waratahs captain ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Women’s season, as the defending champions chase a three-peat for the second time in team history.

Chancellor led the Waratahs to the title last season, with injured skipper Piper Duck missing most of the campaign. New South Wales beat arch-rivals the Queensland Reds 43-21 at North Sydney Oval in April 2025, with winger Desiree Miller starring in the big dance.

As the Waratahs prepare for yet another title defnece, they announced on Wednesday morning that Chancellor has taken over from Duck as the team’s permanent captain. Kaitlan Leaney and Miller round out the leadership group for 2026.

The 34-year-old flanker adds extensive experience to the Waratahs lineup, having made more than 25 appearances for club and country. Chancellor debuted for the Wallaroos in 2018, before suiting up in the cambridge blue jersey the following year.

Chancellor has represented the Waratahs 27 times and is just a few Test appearances away from becoming the latest 40-cap Wallaroo. The loose forward has also played for Harlequins in England’s PWR and Mie Pearls in Japan.

“I’m absolutely chuffed to be named captain of the NSW Waratahs Women’s team this year,” Chancellor said.

“I’ve played at the club since 2019 and grew up cheering for the boys from the stands with my dad.

“We have an exceptionally talented group of girls and a desire to keep pushing our potential. I’m excited to help play a part in our continued evolution.”

Chancellor was a cornerstone member of the national team in 2025, stepping up as a co-captain when skipper Siokapesi Palu Sekona was sidelined with injury. The flanker led the Wallaroos along with Leaney in the team’s opening match at the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Coach Jo Yapp retained Chancellor in the matchday 23 for all four matches at the showpiece event, including a 50-minute shift in the quarter-final defeat to Canada. Chancellor also lined up against Samoa, the USA and the Red Roses during pool play.

When the Waratahs Women’s squad was unveiled last week, Chancellor was among the dozen players involved in recent Wallaroos duty in the Pacific Four Series. Emily Robinson is the most-capped player in this Waratahs squad with 40 appearances.

“We are really excited to announce Emily Chancellor as captain for 2026. Emily has been an outstanding leader at the Waratahs over a long period of time and we believe she is the right fit to lead the team,” Ruthven explained.

“Emily has great respect amongst the players and staff, commands attention when engaging with the playing group and leads with real determination on the pitch.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank Piper Duck who has led with great conviction over the last few seasons. Piper is an outstanding young woman who will continue to have a positive influence over our playing group, both on and off the field”