Wallaroos duo Pomare and Kavoa retire from Test rugby after World Cup

One month on from the Wallaroos’ quarter-final exit at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, Test veterans Trilleen Pomare and Lydia Kavoa have announced their retirements from Australian rugby.

Pomare and Kavoa both featured in Australia’s matchday 23 in their Rugby World Cup clash with eventual finalists Canada on September 14, which was the pair’s final international appearance in Wallaroos gold.

This announcement marks the end of Pomare’s distinguished career with the national team, as one of a few Wallaroos to have played more than 40 Test appearances – finishing with 43, which is the second most of any Wallaroo all-time.

Pomare debuted for Australia against Ireland in 2017, going on to compete at three World Cups, including the recent record-breaking event in England. The midfielder captained the Force and hasn’t shut the door on playing Super Rugby Women’s in 2026.

“I’m so grateful for everyone who’s backed me, believed in me and supported me through the different stages of the journey,” Pomare said.

“I started out just wanting to play footy with my mates, and somehow it’s taken me around the world and being able to make a career out of it.

“There’ll never be enough words of thanks for that, but the best way to honour it is by turning it into something bigger than yourself.

“I wish all my friends all the for everything in the future. I hope they never underestimate the impact they can have on people.”

Kavoa trekked a unique path to the Wallaroos, having discovering the sport after joining the Navy as a Leading Seaman. After joining Eastern Suburbs, Kavoa would go on to debut for Australia in 2024 at 30 years of age.

During the World Cup, Kavoa sat down with reporters from RugbyPass, Rugby.com.au and Rugby News Service to speak about her incredible journey to that event. Kavoa started in the front-row against England, a year after coach Jo Yapp convinced her to shift from the back-row.

As a Leading Seaman in the Navy, Kavoa spoke the ode ahead of the ANZAC Round clash on April 27 between the Brumbies and Hurricanes in Canberra.

“The past two years playing for the Wallaroos have been a journey for me. I made my debut as a back-rower and then became a prop in 54 days, where I started at a record-breaking World Cup,” Kavoa explained.

“Thank you to Jo Yapp and the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to become a Wallaroo.

“It’s allowed me to grow as a rugby player, meet legends along the way and creating lifelong memories.

“It’s time for a new chapter in my life with new goals, more growth, memories, laughs and smiles. I can’t wait to watch the team succeed in the future.”

A new era beckons for the Wallaroos, with these two experienced players retiring and coach Yapp returning home to the UK after the World Cup. Rugby Australia have confirmed that assistant coach Sam Needs will step into Yapp’s position as the interim head coach.

Needs has congratulated the pair on their inspirational Wallaroos careers.

“On behalf of the Wallaroos we’d like to congratulate both players on fantastic careers at the international level,” Needs added.

“Trilleen has been a mainstay in the Wallaroos squad for almost a decade and as our second highest capped player ever, her leadership and dedication helped shaped this group for the better.

“The work with she’s put into some of our younger players coming through has been invaluable and will leave a legacy for generations to come.

“Lydia is a great story on never giving up on your dream and her journey is one to remember.

“To debut at flanker in July 2024, then play her second Test at loosehead prop in September is a testament to her determination and work ethic.

“Fast forward to England at the World Cup, she showed that anything is possible when she more than held her own against the world champions.

“They’re both honest and humble people and have been a pleasure to work with over the past two seasons and we wish them both the best in all they do in the future.”