It is not very often a rugby player gets to retire on their own terms, but for Cecilia Smith, Friday night’s 38-31 win over Scotland in Canberra proved a fitting send-off for the 33-capped star.
Samoan-born and originally playing for the Leeton Dianas, Canberra was as close as could be as a home game finale for Smith’s career, the centre having been a mainstay for the Wallaroos since her debut against New Zealand in the 2022 Pacific Four Series.
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The centre showcased why she has been one of the side’s most dangerous weapons over the last four years in Canberra, utilising her established combination with Georgina Friedrichs in the centres.
While emotions spilled over after full time, it still felt like the right time for the 32-year-old to hang up her international boots.
“I can't really put it into words if I'm being honest,” Smith replied when asked how she was feeling after the game.
“It's just been an emotional week, and just leading up to this game, there’s just been a lot of tears shed. I don't know, it's kind of hard to accept.
“I feel like I've got a few more years in me, but it's time to settle down with family. No one wants to be pushed out, so I think finishing on my terms was the better decision.”
The chance to go out on her own terms proved an experience Smith relished, even despite receiving two yellow cards against the Scots, becoming one of the first players to receive a standing ovation after copping a red card, being set to hear from the judiciary later this week.
The centre is still open to continuing her rugby at a domestic level, and will make a call about playing with the Western Force in the future.
“It's not a retirement without any cards for me,” Smith laughed.
“[I] just had some fun out there, you know? It's my last game, bit of flair, it was good.
“It's just having some fun. When I have a lot of fun, I play really good footy, and you can kind of see that out there tonight.
“To be honest, I haven't really thought that far ahead [with the Force]. I just wanted to finish with international for now, and I'll think about anything else later.”
