Former Kiwi Ferns Captain Krystal Rota Announces Retirement After 7 Years

Krystal Rota, former captain of the Kiwi Ferns rugby league team, has announced her retirement from the sport after seven years of service. The 37-year-old player, who represented the Manurewa Marlin and Papakura Sea Eagles, established herself as one of the most prominent figures in international women’s rugby league and a respected captain for New Zealand.

Rota, who earned 15 caps, made her debut for the Kiwi Ferns in 2015 and played a crucial role in last year’s Rugby League World Cup in England. Known for her expertise as a specialist hooker, Rota shared the news of her retirement in a poetic manner, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to represent her country and the friendships she formed along the way.

Having started her international career as a substitute in the 2015 Anzac test, Rota quickly rose through the ranks and secured the No. 9 jersey for the corresponding match in 2016. She continued to impress and maintained her position for the 2017 Anzac clash. Rota then became a key player for the Kiwi Ferns in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, which concluded with a valiant defeat to Australia’s Jillaroos in the final.

In addition to her international achievements, Rota was named Auckland Player of the Year in 2017 and participated in the NRLW women’s competition with the New Zealand Warriors and the Newcastle Knights in 2018, 2019, and 2022. Her outstanding performances led to a nomination for NRL Women’s Player of the Year in 2018.

Rota’s contributions extended beyond the rugby league field. She played a crucial role in the historic 2019 World Cup Nines campaign, where the Kiwi Ferns secured a memorable victory over Australia in the final. She also captained the Māori All Stars against the Indigenous All Stars in 2019 and 2020, and led the Kiwis in a test against Fetū Samoa in 2020. Rota’s leadership qualities earned her the title of Kiwi Ferns’ Player of the Year.

Throughout her career, Rota showcased her talent and dedication, earning the respect and admiration of her peers. Her retirement marks the end of an era for the Kiwi Ferns, but her impact on the team and rugby league as a whole will endure. The New Zealand Rugby League expressed its gratitude for Rota’s contributions and wished her the best in her future endeavors.

On the domestic front, Rota achieved great success with the Counties Manukau Stingrays, winning seven national championships and captaining the team to four titles. Her leadership and skills on the field will be sorely missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of female rugby league players.