Anna 
Sarah Riordan could have stepped away from rugby last year, wrapping up a successful career that included a World Cup with the Wallaroos, Super Rugby Women’s, and a stint in NRLW. But she wasn’t done yet.
Determined to continue playing, Riordan took matters into her own hands. With no guarantees beyond a spot in the off-season training squad, she paid for her own travel from Sydney to Brisbane to prove herself to the Queensland Reds. That commitment caught the attention of Reds coach Andrew Fraser.
Now, more than four months later, the 32-year-old has earned the starting No.8 jersey for the Reds’ SMARTECH Super Rugby Women’s season opener against Fijian Drua in Lautoka on Saturday.
It’s a story of resilience and dedication—qualities that define great athletes and make Riordan’s journey particularly fitting to celebrate on International Women’s Day.
Embracing a New Challenge
Riordan was part of the first-ever Super Rugby Women’s season in 2018, playing in the centres for Queensland and earning Reds cap #186. Now, she’s taking on a fresh challenge in the back row.
“I’m starting again, really,” said Riordan, who is also a corporal in the Australian Defence Force. “I’m learning new things and asking plenty of questions.”
Switching positions from centre to No.8 has required her to adapt, but she’s embracing the challenge.
“There’s a lot to learn, especially working with the rest of the back row,” she said. “The peer evaluation and support from the group at the Reds have been great.”
Riordan’s versatility was on full display in the Reds’ opening trial match against the Western Force, where she even filled in at prop during uncontested scrums. However, she’ll leave the front-row duties to Wallaroos stars like Eva Karpani, Bree-Anna Browne, Cristo Taufua, and others for the Drua clash.
The Reds will also welcome eight debutants for the season opener, with their match jerseys set to be presented in a special ceremony.
A Growing Legacy in Women’s Rugby
Riordan has witnessed the growth of women’s rugby firsthand. From training in a tin shed to working in the world-class BMS National Rugby Training Centre at Ballymore, she appreciates how far the sport has come.
“There are plenty of examples of how high women’s sport can go,” she said. “We have some amazing athletes in Super Rugby Women’s.”
She also highlighted the strong community at the Reds, saying, “The family atmosphere and support from the men’s team here is something I didn’t experience at the Brumbies.”
The Reds women’s program continues to evolve. Last year, the team made its first overseas trip in 28 years, traveling to Tonga. Now, just eight months later, they are in Fiji for another international match.
This week, the squad visited Sabeto District School near Nadi, where they experienced the joy and passion for rugby among Fijian children. Players like Eva Karpani, Vineta Teutau, Layne Morgan, and Teagan Levi joined in for dancing and drills, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
For Riordan, these moments highlight why she continues to play—to push women’s rugby forward and be part of its ongoing growth.
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