Tribute for Black Ferns captain Palmer

Black Ferns retiring captain Farah Palmer, with the women's World Cup trophy at Auckland Airport this week. Picture / Paul Estcourt

The New Zealand Rugby Union today paid tribute to outgoing Black Ferns captain Farah Palmer.

The 33-year-old hooker has announced her retirement from all rugby, ending her stellar decade-long international career with the Black Ferns winning the IRB Women's Rugby World Cup in Edmonton earlier this week.

The 25–17 victory over England gave the Black Ferns and Palmer a third Women's Rugby World Cup title in a row, with Palmer captaining the Black Ferns in the two previous World Cup finals in 1998 and 2002.

Palmer said she felt privileged to end her career on a winning note.

"It was fantastic to experience a win one last time. I have thought long and hard about my future, especially following my shoulder injury last year which ruled me out of the series against England. But I wasn't prepared to give up; I knew I still had a lot to offer the game and that opportunity came this year," Palmer said.

NZRU Deputy Chief Executive Steve Tew said Palmer had made an invaluable contribution to New Zealand rugby and she played a leading role in the success of the Black Ferns.

"Farah is one of the game's true professionals both on and off the field. She is an exceptional player and leader and under her captaincy, the Black Ferns achieved outstanding success. We would like to acknowledge her contribution to New Zealand rugby at all levels, and women's rugby in particular, and we wish her all the best for the future," Mr Tew said.

Black Ferns coach Jed Rowlands said Palmer was held in high regard by her peers in New Zealand and around the world.