Piper Duck has been named as the newest captain of the Buildcorp Wallaroos, becoming the youngest ever to be given the honour at the age of 22.
Rugby Australia’s Board unanimously approved the appointment.
Previous captain Shannon Parry announced on Monday that she will retire, paving the way for the next generation.
Parry will retain the captaincy for the Wallaroos’ for her final Test against Fiji on 20 May at Allianz Stadium – which Piper Duck will miss due to injury. The new captain will take over against the Black Ferns in Redcliffe on 29 June.
Wallaroo Number 185, Duck made her international debut one year ago in a victory against Fiji in Brisbane, going on to play a total of ten times to date for the Wallaroos, including at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Born in Wagga Wagga and growing up in Tumut, the proud Riverina product only started in Rugby at the relatively late age of 15, first playing for the Tumut Bullettes.
A year later, Duck moved to Sydney to pursue her Rugby dreams, playing Sevens for Barker College and representing Gordon at junior level and Sydney University at senior level, before being selected for the Wallaroos A side to tour Fiji.
Duck joined the New South Wales Waratahs in 2020, and was named captain of the Waratahs Women this year – also becoming that club’s youngest ever captain.
Piper Duck was blown away to be asked to captain her country.
“I was shocked when Jay asked me,” said Duck. “I only debuted a year ago – I wasn’t expecting to be offered the captaincy, so it caught me off-guard a little.
“It is such an incredible honour to be named captain of the Wallaroos – it’s a dream-come-true, and I feel a great responsibility to these remarkable young women that I take the field with.
“Shannon is a legend of Aussie Rugby, and of the Wallaroos. It has been such a privilege to play under her, and to learn from her – she is a hero that so many of us younger girls look up to and I can’t thank her enough. I will definitely be leaning on Shannon for advice!”
Wallaroos head coach Jay Tregonning believes the choice of Duck to usher in the next era was a clear one.
“Piper is an amazing young woman who has an exceptional talent for connecting with others, and having a positive impact on everyone around her,” said Tregonning.
“She was an obvious choice for a new captain, and represents the very best that we look for in young people today – she is kind, empathetic, curious, eloquent and a keen listener.
“She is also fierce, determined and relentless, and I look forward to her bringing more of those traits to this young group.
“I must also thank Shannon for her many years of service as a captain of Australian teams – she is an icon of our sport, and has been really supportive of Piper’s selection.”
Shannon Parry also offered her endorsement of Piper Duck’s elevation.
“Piper is already such a great role model at such a young age – everyone in the group looks up to her, and I could not ask for a more appropriate successor as Wallaroos captain.”