Australian Sevens royalty Alicia Lucas has confirmed her retirement from rugby union.
Lucas (née Quirk) made her debut in Amsterdam in 2013, going on to play 34 events and 186 matches for Australia.
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The 30-year-old played an integral role in the growth and success of the program, helping them to the World Series title in 2015-16 before securing a historic gold medal in 2016 as she played every single minute.
She made a remarkable return to the program earlier in the year after giving birth to a baby girl, Tilly, featuring in the Oceania Sevens in June.
Lucas confirmed she was calling time on an incredible career via social media, grateful for the opportunity to live out her dream.
“Today I am officially retiring from international rugby and my incredible second family at the Australian Women’s 7’s,” she said via social media.
“Announcing retirement comes with mixed emotions. On one hand I am shattered I didn’t get that one last game that I was chasing with Tilly girl in tow, but on the other hand I am so proud of the vulnerability and courage I showed to move across the world, juggle being a mum and compete full time again with the absolute best team in the world! I’m heartbroken the dream is over but so excited for what is next.
“I’m grateful for all the opportunities I have had and it’s been a huge privilege to represent Australia on the world stage. I never took that opportunity for granted and I gave absolutely everything to wearing that jersey. No more so than in the last 12 months returning to training after having Tilly girl. I loved the hard work and training everyday.
"I was the ultimate competitor and I could never have envisioned where my Rugby 7’s journey would have taken me. Finding something you absolutely love to do every day and calling it a “job” has been so rewarding and that’s the hardest part to say goodbye too.
"I can’t thank enough my incredible teammates both past and present that have made every day so much fun and worth all the running, tackles and get ups. The biggest shoutout to my amazing family and friends who have supported me unconditionally throughout this wild, fun ride. You all know who you are and how much I love and value you always. I can’t wait to join the green and gold army and party in the stands with you all at the next 7’s event."
Fellow Sevens stars Charlotte Caslick and Sharni Williams was amongst a plethora of current and ex-players leading the tributes to Lucas' remarkable legacy and career.
"Very few have the ability to impact a group as much as you have over the last 10 years," Caslick said.
"We promise to continue the legacy you’ve left and always be inspired by you every time we step out onto the training paddock or field of play. You are a true competitor and there is no one I’d rather have standing next to me.
"I’m so proud of you and so excited for what’s next. Matilda is so blessed to have such a hard working, brave, kind hearted Mumma to forever look up to as we all have. Love you always and happy retirement."
"This woman is an amazing human. Thank you for being a wonderful team mate, friend and for taking a few of the old age comments away from me the last couple of months (laughs)," Williams added. "What you have achieved in rugby is amazing but the last 12 months is extremely inspiring, you should be super proud of yourself I know Tilly is. Once an Aussie sevens player, always an Aussie sevens player. Congratulations on your career. Looking forward to what the future holds for you, always in your corner."
