Black Ferns captain hopes to exit on high note

Black Ferns captain Farah Palmer is preparing for her final international rugby season.

After 30 tests in 10 years, the Palmerston North-based Palmer is planning to bow out after the World Cup in Canada next month.

Born in the small King Country town of Piopio, Palmer started playing while studying at Otago University.

She said she started her rugby career a little late as schoolgirl rugby didn't exist in her school days. However, when she reached the international stages, women's rugby was on a high.

"We've gone from being a novelty to perhaps being taken seriously," she said.

She captained the Black Ferns since 1997, leading them to victories in the Canada Cup (2000 and 2005), the Churchill Cup (2004) and the World Cups (1998 and 2002).

After several years playing for Otago and a year with Waikato, Palmer moved to Palmerston North in 2001 to take up a position as a lecturer at Massey University.

She started playing for Kia Toa and has represented Manawatu since.

Before she heads off to the World Cup in Canada, Palmer will play two games for Manawatu, who have been promoted to the national women's championship this year.

"I've decided that I just want to have a final fling and I want to get on and do other things in my life," she said.

"I want to focus on my career a little bit more, perhaps look at having a family.

"I suppose it's a bit like I'm back in the honeymoon stage of my relationship with rugby. I'm really enjoying it."

- NZPA