Australian Sevens royalty, Emilee Cherry, has today confirmed her retirement from international Rugby.
Cherry was a founding member of the full-time program in 2012, making her international debut on the World Series in Dubai, in what was the first-ever HSBC Women’s Sevens World Series tournament. Cherry has since gone on to collect 31 caps for Australia on the world circuit.
In the 2013-2014 season, Cherry was voted World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year and was one of the linchpins in Australia’s successful 2016 campaign at the Rio Olympic Games.
The 28-year-old is one of only two Australian players to score over 700 points on the World Series, amassing a career total of 719 points (131 tries, 32 goals), making her the seventh highest point scorer in history.
Cherry is also one of only six Australian players to play in over thirty World Series tournaments, with victories in San Paulo (2014 & 2016), Dubai (2013, 2015 & 2017), London (2015), Atlanta (2016) and finally on home soil in Sydney in 2018.
Emilee welcomed her first child to the world, Alice, in 2019 before making a successful return to the international arena.
Australian Women’s squad member Emilee Cherry said: "It has been an absolute privilege to be able to represent my country and play in the green and gold for all these years.
“I’ve always reiterated the fact that you’re only as successful as those around you, and my success is because of those who I have been lucky to call my teammates, friends and family.“I have had some incredible experiences throughout my Rugby journey, from debuting in 2012, a Gold medal win in Rio, and the birth of my daughter Alice.
"These are just some of the moments which I’ll look back on and cherish, but, above all the achievements, the highlight has been the people I’ve met along the way.
“To everyone who has supported me along the journey, I can’t thank you enough; from the coaching staff in Johnny, Scotty and Walshy through to my partner, Dan and the girls within the squad, there are countless individuals who have helped me along the way.”
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Andy Marinos said: "On behalf of the Rugby community, I would like to thank Emilee for all that she has contributed to our game.
"One of the world's best players, Emilee's leadership both on and off the field has helped both the Women's program and our game grow."I'd like to extend our thanks to Emilee for everything she has contributed to Rugby and wish her the very best into the future," Marinos said.
Australian Women’s Coach John Manenti said: “Emilee has given so much to the team, program and jersey, and it’s sad to see her go.
“A founding member of the program back in 2012, Em has been an integral part of the successful growth of Women’s Rugby within Australia.
“The timing of her departure is unfortunate as I know the whole team was excited to give her the send-off which she deserves; however, I know this won’t affect the squad heading into the games.
“On behalf of the entire Rugby Sevens program, I would like to thank Em for everything she has given and her legacy will continue to give,” Manenti said.
Emilee Cherry OAM
Date of Birth: 2nd November 1992 (age: 28)
Hometown: Roma, Queensland
Cap No: 14
Debut: 2012, Dubai UAE
World Series Caps: 31
Olympic Games: Rio, 2016 (Gold Medal)
Commonwealth Games: Gold Coast, 2018 (Silver Medal)
RWC Sevens: San Francisco, 2018 (Bronze Medal)
World Series Title Wins: San Paulo (2014 & 2016), Dubai (2013, 2015 & 2017), London (2015), Atlanta (2016) and Sydney (2018)
