WALLAROO 19

“Libby Andrew has written an important and inspiring memoir that follows the nascent days of women’s Rugby Union in Australia. The book is a testament to Libby’s contribution, her dedication, commitment and downright tenaciousness in following her dream to represent Australia in the sport she loved. The book spares no detail and offers inspiring stories that shares the highs and lows and that added to Libby’s already strong character.

I met Libby when she became a police officer in the Northern Territory and in this endeavour again her dedication and commitment was a shinning light to others. Libby’s memoir brings you close to an inspiring journey that makes you wish you had been part of it.

Libby was always meant to write this story and the evidence is there in the reading”

“Libby Andrew’s memoir is a captivating narrative that delves deep into our shared journey in women’s rugby. From the exhilarating rush of our inaugural test match as Black Ferns against the Wallaroos, to the intense battles of international competitions, Libby’s storytelling vividly captures the essence of our collective struggles and triumphant moments on the pitch. Her unwavering dedication to preserving the rich history of women’s rugby permeates every page, serving as a poignant reminder of the challenges we faced and the victories we celebrated. As someone who stood alongside Libby on the rugby field and cherishes our friendship, I am profoundly grateful for her enduring commitment to the sport and her remarkable ability to inspire others through her words. Libby’s memoir stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and camaraderie that define women’s rugby, making it an indispensable read for athletes and enthusiasts alike. With each chapter, she masterfully weaves personal anecdotes with broader themes of perseverance, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, offering invaluable insights into the profound impact of rugby on our lives.”

Libby has written a wonderful book about her time playing rugby back in an era when there were a lot of hurdles for females playing a male dominant sport.

I met Libby around 1996 we were playing for our respective States at the Nationals, then both going on to make the Wallaroos squad. We were also in the inaugural team to represent at the Hong Kong 7's, we could not go as Australia as we were not sanctioned by Australian Rugby (those hurdles I mentioned).

Libby always gave 100% effort in games and was one of the toughest competitors on the field both physically and mentally, she never made it easy for her opposition. She worked hard on her fitness and maintained a high level through her playing years whether it was 7's or 15 a side, a wonderful athlete.

Lib is a bit of a character, lots of laughs when we get to catch up, also up for a dare now and then. I am privileged to have been a part of Libby's rugby journey and I am also privileged to have been asked to write a Testimonial for her book.

Thanks mate for sharing your story and some of the history of Women's rugby along the way.

I had the pleasure, and the challenge of playing against and alongside Lib. We were combatants in the first national Championships final in 1996, and teammates for the Wallaroos and the Aussie Gold 7’s shortly after. In these early years as we played our hearts out on suburban fields we had no idea we were “trailblazers” or that one day women would play before sell out crowds. We loved the game and just wanted to play it at every opportunity we got.

Like Libby I have invested energy in documenting the history of those early days. In 2021 I documented the history of every woman who had worn the treasured maroon representing Queensland Rugby, celebrating the occasion by presenting almost 150 of them with their honour caps on a single day. I assisted New South Wales document their women’s history shortly after. I treasure the opportunities to work with the Queensland Vintage Red to celebrate past players and invest in the future stars. The journey from the early days of one size fits all uniforms, to mentoring current crop of stars, is one that continues to be immensely rewarding. To everyone who has contributed to this journey, as coach, player, administrator, or a flexible employer, the women’s game continues to grow, face, and overcome challenges because of you. In this book Libby tells the story of her journey, a journey I shared for many years and one we’re immensely proud of.

As if East Canberra Women’s Rugby League Team in 1991 wasn’t hard enough to play against…then Libby Andrew joins the team!

I played rugby league with and against Lib from 1991 to 1994 much preferring that she was on my team! Lib had a low centre of gravity making her hard to tackle she was tough in attack and defence, very competitive and a talented player. Lib had a wide smile and cheeky laugh, tough as nails and enjoyed a good time.

I caught up with her again in 1999 (Australian Women’s Rugby League National Championships) and then not until her delayed 50th Birthday celebrations in October 2022.

They say true friends remain the same, and this is spot on with Lib. Same wide smile, cheeky laugh, toughness and commitment but a gentle genuine friend. A catch up with Lib wipes the years of absence away and time is irrelevant.

Congratulations Lib on celebrating 30 years of Women’s Rugby Union. Your passion for the sport, love of Rugby and its culture, commitment to be the best you can be, and involvement (and memories) not only during your playing years but into the future, are a credit to who you are.

This book provides an authentic look at Libby’s rugby journey and the many people she has met during her journey. It covers the highs, the lows, the sacrifices required, and the rugby “roller coaster” ride that many women have experienced in Australia.

Even though we have both retired from playing the game and dealing with the pre-match atmosphere, (including the smell of Dencorub, the silent or noisy preparations of some players, various rituals and rants), the one thing that will always remain are the lifelong friendships that were made. I count Libby as one of those lifelong friendships.

The passion and fundamentals for women’s rugby remains high for so many trailblazers such as Libby. They have left ‘footprints’ to ensure the game continues to evolve for females in all levels of the game.

A big thank you to Libby for trusting me to write some words for your book. I am honoured to be a small part of your rugby journey and your life.

I'm proud to say I got the ball rolling in Lib's football career! I knew Lib and her family from our time in St Jude’s Parish in Canberra. We went to the same primary and secondary schools and university, and both played netball in the local Arawang District competition. I signed up for Canberra’s first women’s rugby league competition after seeing a newspaper ad calling for players. We were looking to get more players into the fledgling competition and I just knew Lib was the perfect fit, so I asked her at uni, and again at netball, if she’d like to come along and have a go. She was hesitant at first but I persevered and drove her to her first game in Belconnen. Of course Lib smashed it - the first ball she received she just tucked it under her arm, burst through the defence and stormed to the try line. We’d found a winner in Lib and our East Canberra side went on to win many competitions with her in the side. And to reflect now on what she achieved as a pioneer for women's rugby league and union, and on the World Rugby stage, is just mind-blowing!

Allow me firstly to introduce myself, John Squizzy Taylor. I’ve been involved with Rugby League a very long time, as a Sports Trainer, Coach and even one time a National Selector. Regarding Women’s Rugby League, I consider myself to be the right bloke in the right place at the right time.

I was a Sports Trainer with the Woden Valley Rams Club when the Rams Female side commenced playing in 1991. We were very lucky at the time to have the right person in charge of the club, Peter Cox, a Rams legend and when I suggested the Ladies needed to be afforded the same “medical” standards, ie, strapping and on field trainers, as the men he agreed, and I got the job of being their Sports Trainer for the season.

I was still a Sports Trainer with the Men when I noticed that the Women kept turning up to train, but the Coach did not, maybe something to do with the lack of wins they were having. I thought then that this was a very determined bunch and giving up was not an option. This went on for a couple of nights and I could resist no longer, and I still remember the night. I went over to the girls and said something like, “I’m only a sports trainer, not a Coach, but I have played the game, and I might be able to show you a couple of things”. They gladly accepted and the journey begun, and I am forever grateful it did.

As part of that journey, I got to meet and know Libby. There was always one consistent, no matter the situation, her smile. Not an ordinary smile, a mischievous smile like she was about to get up to something, and she usually was. Libby was a fierce competitor, and she loved the game and could play the game well. Libby also loved the after-game functions. Those were the days when players would compete fiercely on the field and party together like there was no tomorrow afterwards. I’ve spent many a day and many such evenings with Libby those early years.

The Women in those early days were fierce competitors but also strong Allys where no problem that presented itself could not be solved. I’m sure this book will give the readers an insight into the tenacity, the toughness, and the resolve of these early pioneers which Libby Andrews is one, and I am both proud and delighted that she has chosen to share her journey in print.