Duck defies injuries and makes it to the Rugby World Cup: An epic story!

Piper Duck: The Rugby Warrior Ready for the World Cup Despite Adversity

Rugby player Piper Duck has shown exceptional tenacity in overcoming a series of injuries and securing her place in the Women’s Rugby World Cup. The news that she would not be able to participate in the World Cup was the first challenge Duck faced after injuring her shoulder in March. This mishap, which seemed to rule her out of the tournament, marked the beginning of a long road to recovery. Duck, a Wallaroos back-row player, has dealt with multiple injuries in the last two years, including a shoulder injury that initially put her participation in the tournament in doubt. The athlete suffered a hard blow when she tore the acromioclavicular ligament in her right shoulder during a match. This setback was added to a foot injury in 2023 that prevented her from captaining her team and an ankle surgery that kept her out of the Wallaroos’ tours of Ireland and Wales, as well as the WXV2 tournament in 2024. To be able to play in 2025, Duck was undergoing cortisone injections in both shoulders.

“One of the first conversations I had with the doctor was that you wouldn’t play in the World Cup. It was shocking to hear that at that moment”

Piper Duck

Faced with adversity, Duck opted for intensive rehabilitation to try to make it to the World Cup. After consulting with surgeons and the team doctor, he decided to avoid surgery and focus on recovery.

After an intense training period, Duck returned to the field and played for the Australia A team against Samoa, before participating in matches against New Zealand and Wales, and finally, in the team’s farewell match in Sydney. The player, with a long history of injuries, uses bandages on almost her entire body to protect her joints. In addition to physical preparation, Duck worked with a sports psychologist to overcome the mental blocks associated with her injuries.

Duck overcame his fears and doubts, training with the strongest players to regain confidence in his ability to play. After missing five matches, including four Wallaroos trials, her World Cup call-up was even more special, especially as it was announced alongside the whole team.

“I was very excited when I found out I was going to the World Cup. After the injuries and everything I’ve been through, it was a surreal moment. Having the opportunity to attend my second World Cup is incredible, and after the injuries I’ve had in the last two and a half years, it’s a very special feeling”

Piper Duck

Duck is now preparing for the Wallaroos’ first match against Samoa, hoping to achieve a victory that will propel the team towards the World Cup quarter-finals.