Wallaroos captain Shannon Parry calls time on career after historic run

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.”