Wallaroos great inspired by mantra 'you can't be what you can't see'

Emily Chancellor, the Wallaroos' captain, will play her last Test against Scotland at Canberra Stadium, marking her 42nd and final appearance for the national women's rugby team. Chancellor, who began her rugby journey as a university student, grew frustrated with the lack of support and visibility for the Wallaroos during her early career.

She vowed to change this, stating, "You can't be what you can't see." Chancellor's efforts to raise the profile of the Wallaroos have paid off, as young girls and their families fill the stands to cheer on their heroes during her final Test. The 35-year-old has represented Australia in two World Cups and captained the team during the 2025 season.

Her domestic career with the NSW Waratahs and playing experiences in the UK and Japan are cherished highlights. Chancellor's bond with her teammates extends beyond the field, forming a sisterhood that shares struggles and triumphs in the women's rugby landscape. The Wallaroos, currently semi-professional, face challenges competing with more professionally funded teams like England and New Zealand.

As the team transitions towards full-time status in preparation for the 2029 World Cup, Chancellor is optimistic about the team's future, believing their opportunities will be limitless once they achieve this milestone. She credits Rugby Australia's decision to fund the Aussie women's sevens team as a model for the Wallaroos' potential.

Despite her retirement from playing, Chancellor remains committed to promoting women's rugby, vowing to keep pushing for greater visibility until stepping away from the game.