Western Force and former Wallaroos prop Alapeta Ngauamo has decided to hang up the boots on a decorated Super Rugby Women’s career.
Ngauamo, 37, confirmed the decision to her team-mates on Saturday, before being formally celebrated at the Club’s Rebecca Clough Medal on Saturday evening.
The prop reached the 25-game milestone in Round 5 of the Force’s 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s campaign.
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She played 15 times for the Force after moving west ahead of the 2024 season, following 10 caps with the Queensland Reds, having debuted in the 2022 season.
Ngauamo’s influence was strong, earning a Wallaroos call-up in 2024 following her excellent form, making her international debut as a 35-year-old – breaking the all-time Wallaroos record for oldest debutant – against Ireland.
At the Force, Ngauamo quickly rose into a senior role which was formally recognized as part of the leadership group in 2026.
Her calm nature and connectedness with her team-mates led to her winning the Force Woman Award, awarded to player who embodies the team’s spirit on and off the field as voted by the coaches and staff.
Ngauamo said: “Coming to the decision of retirement wasn’t an easy one but when I reflect back on my time playing this sport I’ve loved for so long and reached the milestones that I have, I can say with great contentment that I’m happy with what I’ve contributed.
“Playing for this team, I have managed to tick off debuting for the Wallaroos, reaching a 25th cap, being part of a leadership group, being part of an historic win against the Waratahs and lasting a six-month pre-season. I realise winning a Super W premiership hasn’t been ticked off but that made me realise some boxes aren’t made for me to tick.
“Thanks to my family and my partner Joey for their support in everything I do. I wouldn’t have been able to reach the milestones without you being in my corner.
“To the staff, thank you for all your support. I don’t have the words to express the gratitude I have for everything you’ve done for me. The Club took a chance on me and backed me from the beginning and for that you’ll forever have my support.
“To my team, we’ve been through it all together. There is no greater group of people I would surround myself to celebrate this moment than with you guys.
“Even though I didn’t get to finish the way I wanted, watching you ladies I realised that it was never about me playing one last time but it was knowing that the next players could stand up and do a job. Thank you again for taking me in and being my home away from home. Maali debut number 60 over and out.”
Force head coach Dylan Parsons paid tribute to Ngauamo who has left a lasting impact, wishing her all the best in her future endeavours.
He said: “I would just like to recognise and thank Alapeta for her huge contribution to this team, the Club and the wider rugby community.
“Petz can be really proud of the career that she has had and we are grateful that we have played a part in her achieving her goals.
“We wish her all the best on her next chapter and we hope to be able to still play a part in her journey.”
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Alapeta Ngauamo
Super W caps: 25 (Force 15 (2024-2026), Reds 10 (2022-2023))
Force cap number: 60
Wallaroos caps: 3
Wallaroos cap number: 215
