The Wallaroos are set to face the upcoming 2026 season with more new faces, with forward Alapeta Ngauamo announcing her retirement from international rugby.
Earning four caps for the Wallaroos, Ngauamo created history in 2024, becoming the oldest player to debut for the national side after years of persistence in club rugby and the Super Rugby Women’s competition.
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She follows in the footsteps of centre Trilleen Pomare and prop Lydia Kavoa, who both recently announced their retirement from international rugby following the conclusion of the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
While Ngauamo didn’t go on to make the World Cup squad, the 36-year-old was part of the side’s successful WXV 2 campaign in South Africa last year, making her debut against Ireland in Dublin on the first match of the end-of-year tour.
Having played most of her domestic career at the Reds, the Wallaroo headed across the Nullabor to join the Western Force in 2024, and has confirmed she intends to play a third season of rugby in the West in 2026, alongside Pomare.
"My dream of becoming a Wallaroo took longer than most,” Ngauamo said in a statement. “But with the love and support of everyone who believed in me, I finally achieved it.
"I started my first club jersey playing alongside three of my sisters and I leave my international one with countless more.
"For the brief time that I’ve served I hope I’ve done enough to leave my thread in the legacy of the jersey and wish all the best for our next generation of Wallaroos.
"Being a Wallaroo is the highest honour I can achieve in rugby and for that I say thank you."
"Alapeta is a perfect example of persistence to reach the top, and never giving up on a dream," Interim Wallaroos Head Coach Sam Needs said of Wallaroo #215.
"Seeing her debut for the Wallaroos in Ireland last year was a special moment for her and everyone who’s had the opportunity to be part of her journey.
"Her team-first attitude was on show again this year when she answered a last-minute call for us in August against Wales and her commitment to playing at short notice typified her as a teammate and person.
"On behalf of the Wallaroos we thank Alapeta for her contribution to the squad and wish her well in all she does in the future."
