Wallaroos duo retires from Test rugby
NEWS: Wallaroos veterans Trilleen Pomare and Lydia Kavoa have announced their retirements from Australian Rugby.
The pair made their decisions following a record-breaking Women’s World Cup in England, where the Wallaroos reached the quarterfinal before going down to finalists Canada.
A three-time World Cup representative, Pomare finishes her career in gold with 43 caps, the second highest all-time, after making her international debut against Ireland in 2017.
The 32-year-old proud Māori was born in Auckland before she moved to Perth, where she took up rugby and became a mainstay in the Force squad to captain the team.
Pomare remains open to playing on in 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’s journey to a gold jersey came in different circumstances. She joined the Navy as a leading Seaman, where she discovered the game before joining Eastern Suburbs.
Her debut in 2024 came at age 30, and she went on to play 12 Tests for her country.
“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 said.
“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.”
Interim Wallaroos Head Coach Sam Needs congratulated the pair on their successful careers in the gold jersey.
“On behalf of the Wallaroos we’d like to congratulate both players on fantastic careers at the international level,” Needs said.
“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.”
