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Wallaroos captain Shannon Parry calls time on career after historic run
By AAP
Rugby trailblazer Shannon Parry will hang up her boots after Saturday's Test against Fiji, bringing to a close a glittering career.
Parry made history by co-captaining the Australian team to the inaugural sevens gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics while she also shared the leadership role at the Tokyo games.
Success continued on home soil when she added a silver medal to her collection at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
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."
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.
Rugby Australia boss Andy Marinos said Parry's achievements should be celebrated.
"Shannon's impact as both a player and a leader has been profound, and her commitment to the game has been exemplary," Marinos said.
"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."
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Latest Comments
Let's be clear: Foster did not back unaquivocally players such as Vaa'i, Tamaiti and Roigard. Yes, he selected them in the squad, but it's a stretch to say he backed them. Those three players have only been backed fully this year (and thrived) under the new regime. There was massive hesitation to give those three guys serious game time in games of consequence.
It's another not-so-subtle dig from the old dynasty at any achievements Razor may be credited for.
Roigard in particular was a mind-baffling omission from the finals of the WC. After being the AB's best player against SA in the pre-WC match, he was not sighted in the big games that followed. Roigard is the type of guy who can win a game with a moment of brilliance, yet the established but uninspiring Christie was preferred to close out a close WC final.
So please, Fozzie, spare us the barely veiled laments about your unfair treatment and unseen achievements. The fact you feel you have to point them out is telling in itself. And it shows that despite saying you've moved on, you and your mate Hansen most definitely haven't.
Go to commentsHe's just a wannabe troll, mate.
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