Former Wallaroos captain calls time on eight-year international career

The Wallaroos will be without their former captain after the Scotland Test in Canberra this weekend, with loose-forward Emily Chancellor calling time on her international career.

Wallaroos No.158 made her debut for Australia in 2018, three years after first being introduced to the national team environment. Chancellor captained the Wallaroos for the first time in 2025, becoming the 19th ever captain of the national side.

The WXV Global Series contest in Australia’s capital against Scotland will be Chancellor’s final outing in the green-and-gold, after 41 appearances.

Chancellor’s debut came against the Black Ferns in Sydney back in 2018, and she has represented Australia in two World Cups, in 2021 and 2025 respectively. Despite announcing her retirement from the international game, Chancellor will still be available for the Swytx Super Rugby Women’s campaign with the NSW Waratahs.

Chancellor, 35, admitted that she’s incredibly grateful for all of the experiences and friendships she made at international level, but feels like the time is right to leave the jersey open for the next generation.

“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.

“To watch and be part of the growth of the Wallaroos, from my first camp in 2015 through to making my debut in 2018, is something I’ll be forever grateful for.

“My international journey has been filled with amazing friendships, unforgettable experiences, hard work and so many lessons, both on and off the field.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of that journey and so proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together.

“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.”

Tim Walsh, Rugby Australia’s Director of Women’s High Performance, congratulated the former captain on a brilliant international career for the Wallaroos.

“Emily has been a fantastic player and ambassador for the Wallaroos since coming into the program in 2015,” Walsh said in an RA media release.

“Her dedication and commitment to the game of rugby has left an enduring mark for those to come.

“Wallaroo #158 and the 19th Wallaroos captain, Emily’s work ethic and passion for the jersey means she has left it in a better place.”