Fijian Wallaroo legend Iliseva Batibasaga has confirmed her International retirement after a two decades career in the gold jersey.
Batibasaga made her Wallaroos debut at the 2006 World Cup in Canada against South Africa as Wallaroo #87, becoming an essential figure within Women’s Rugby as she represented Australia on 27 occasions and at three World Cups.
Whilst Batibasaga made her career largely in the NSW Waratahs jersey, her Rugby journey began at the Norths Eagles in Brisbane, eventually representing Queensland at the National Championships before getting the Wallaroo call-up.
The 37-year-old had targeted the 2021 World Cup to step down, guiding the Wallaroos to the quarter-finals with an inspirational performance against Wales.
“I originally planned to step down in 2021 – after the World Cup – but the pandemic foiled those timelines,” she explained, reports rugby.com.au.
“The World Cup was moved to 2022, and I had a choice to make: should I push for another year, or retire now? With the help of family, coaches, friends, a sports psychologist and some time away from rugby, I decided to give my all for one last year.”
“I was only 21 years old when I first sang the national anthem as a Wallaroo – I think I made it through two words before I started crying
“Being able to relive my experiences at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand this year, and seeing the various stages of my career reflected in my teammates and their journeys has been so special.”
Batibasaga leaves a lasting legacy behind in a youthful Wallaroos team, stepping up as a key leader since they have returned to action over the past 12 months mentoring her NSW Waratahs teammate Layne Morgan.
She is set to run out for the NSW Waratahs in next year’s Super W whilst continuing her work as an Educational Leader at a Camperdown Sunshine Kids Childcare Centre in the Inner West suburbs of Sydney.
“To have a legacy seems so stately…over the years, I’ve learnt through hard work comes many rewards, refining my craft and putting in the extras when no one is watching; a mere stitch in the Wallaroos jersey,” she said.
“The integrity of the Wallaroos jersey lies within its players, the task falls upon us to challenge each other to become better players and all-round good people. It’s often been said that a jersey is never owned, only borrowed until it’s time to pass it on. “
“I tasked myself with the responsibility of sharing my knowledge of the game, skills and experience, and establishing a healthy competitive culture with my teammates, specifically halfbacks so they’re prepared to take responsibility for the jersey when my time is up.”
“In the change rooms, after our game against England at the World Cup I remember saying to Layne, ‘You make it easier to step away.’ I’m extremely proud of her and the player she’s becoming; the jersey is in safe hands.”
