Wallaroos legend calls time on historic career

NEWS: Australia’s women’s rugby union captain Shannon Parry announced her retirement Monday after a long career that saw her play in four World Cups and win Olympic gold.

The 33-year-old will hang up her boots after Saturday’s Test match against Fiji in Sydney to take up a coaching role within Rugby Australia.

“Shannon’s impact as both a player and a leader has been profound, and her commitment to the game has been exemplary,” said RA chief Andy Marinos.

“Her transition from player to coach is one to be celebrated and I look forward to seeing her career blossom as she represents Rugby Australia in a different capacity.”

The 33-year-old led the Wallaroos at last year’s Rugby World Cup – her fourth tournament appearance and third as captain after making her international debut against Wales at the 2010 edition in England.

The Wallaroos flanker also captained Queensland in the Super W competition, with the Reds reaching the grand final this year.

Parry will face off against Fijiana in her swansong Test at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

“Representing Australian Rugby in both formats of the game has been an incredible journey,” Parry said in a statement.

“The opportunities I’ve had and the friendships I’ve made along the way have shaped my life in ways I never expected.”

She also co-captained the Sevens team to gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

Parry won’t disappear from the game entirely, however.

The Olympic champion will take on the position of national emerging sevens coach for Rugby Australia, and will lead a contingent to the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago in August.