The Wallaroos are set to farewell veteran centre Trilleen Pomare and prop Lydia Kavoa with the pair announcing their retirement from international rugby.
Pomare, 32, and Kavoa, 31, confirmed their retirements following the conclusion of the record-breaking 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, which saw Australia reach the quarter final stage before falling to eventual finalists Canada.
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Both featured heavily in the side’s maiden WXV 2 title in South Africa in 2024 and were part of the 2025 World Cup squad.
Pomare signs off from Wallaroo gold as one of the most decorated players in Australian women's rugby, but remains open to playing Super Rugby Women's in 2026.
The first women’s player to reach 30 Super Rugby Women’s caps for the Force, Pomare also finishes her Test career with 43 caps, the second highest of all-time behind Ashley Marsters.
“I’m so grateful for everyone who’s backed me, believed in me and supported me through the different stages of the journey,” Pomare said in an official statement.
“I started out just wanting to play footy with my mates, and somehow it’s taken me around the world and being able to make a career out of it.
“There’ll never be enough words of thanks for that, but the best way to honour it is by turning it into something bigger than yourself.
“I wish all my friends all the for everything in the future. I hope they never underestimate the impact they can have on people.”
Kavoa, meanwhile, was one of the rising stars of the Jo Yapp era, making her debut in 2024 against Fiji after a standout Super Rugby Women's season with ACT Brumbies.
A backrower-turned-prop, Kavoa went on to play 12 Tests for her country, including three at the 2025 World Cup.
“The past two years playing for the Wallaroos have been a journey for me. I made my debut as a back-rower and then became a prop in 54 days, where I started at a record-breaking World Cup,” Kavoa said in an official statement.
“Thank you to Jo Yapp and the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to become a Wallaroo.
“It’s allowed me to grow as a rugby player, meet legends along the way and creating lifelong memories.
“It’s time for a new chapter in my life with new goals, more growth, memories, laughs and smiles. I can’t wait to watch the team succeed in the future.”
Interim Wallaroos Head Coach Sam Needs congratulated the pair on their successful careers.
“On behalf of the Wallaroos, we’d like to congratulate both players on fantastic careers at the international level,” Needs said in an official statement.
“Trilleen has been a mainstay in the Wallaroos squad for almost a decade and as our second highest capped player ever, her leadership and dedication helped shaped this group for the better.
“The work with she’s put into some of our younger players coming through has been invaluable and will leave a legacy for generations to come.
“Lydia is a great story on never giving up on your dream and her journey is one to remember.
“To debut at flanker in July 2024, then play her second Test at loosehead prop in September is a testament to her determination and work ethic.
“Fast forward to England at the World Cup, she showed that anything is possible when she more than held her own against the world champions.
“They’re both honest and humble people and have been a pleasure to work with over the past two seasons, and we wish them both the best in all they do in the future.”
