Emily Chancellor retires from Test rugby ahead of Wallaroos farewell against Scotland

Emily Chancellor, a back-rower who first picked up a rugby ball at university aged 21, is ending an international career that took her to two World Cups and made her the Wallaroos' 19th captain.

Rugby Australia announced on Monday 19 October that the 35-year-old is retiring from international rugby. Her last match in gold will be the WXV Global Series Test against Scotland at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Friday 23 October.

"It's been such a roller coaster of emotions, but it's time for me," Chancellor said.

A long wait, then a fast start

Chancellor, Wallaroo No.158, has won 41 caps for Australia. Her road to the Test side was not quick. She joined the Wallaroos programme in 2015 but waited three years for her debut, which came against New Zealand in 2018.

Once she got there, she made an impact. She was named Wallaroos Player of the Year in that first season. Her first Test try came against England at a World Cup and was nominated for World Rugby Try of the Year.

Captaincy and comeback

Her career had its setbacks as well. An ACL injury kept her out for 12 months, and she returned from it in 2024. In 2025 she led the side for the first time, against Wales, which made her the Wallaroos' 19th captain. She later captained Australia against Samoa at the World Cup in the UK.

Among her highlights she lists a 2023 win over France. Across her Test career she has played alongside 108 Wallaroos teammates.

"Emily has been a fantastic player and ambassador for the Wallaroos since coming into the program in 2015," said Tim Walsh.

Friday's match ends her Test career, but she may not be finished with rugby. Chancellor is open to playing on for the NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby Women's next season.