WALLAROO 19

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

“A fascinating insight into the “real pioneers” of the rugby codes (league & union) for women in this country. A story about “true trailblazers” - their adventures, struggles and triumphs that have largely gone unrecorded. This book is a beautiful reminder that the “little things” are often as special as the big.”

“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!”

“Libby Andrew was a pioneer of women’s rugby (union) not only in the ACT, but in Australia. She was also one of our best players as a fierce tackling, hard running backrower and Wallaroo #19. Libby and her early colleagues from 1992 were the ‘true believers’ of the women’s game in this country and despite indifference, suspicion, sabotage and at times outright misogyny, they persisted and today’s players owe them a great debt. The women’s game of rugby has come a long way since those early days of 1992 and while equality has not yet been achieved, the finish line is at least in sight.The book is a great read and historically important in accurately documenting that often told story of ordinary people achieving extraordinary things that leave a lasting legacy.”

“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 share 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 shining 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.”

“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 and she was tough in attack and defence, a very competitive and 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 being 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.”

“My rugby journey started as a seven-year-old watching five brothers play backyard footy in Gisborne, NZ. A few years later, I joined my primary school rugby team, where I was the only girl in the team. I was hurling myself at anything moving on the field. I think for most kids growing up in NZ, at some point in your life you had played netball, rugby, soft ball or hockey. Sadly, I was never good with a stick in my hand and hit everything but the ball. But put a football in my hand, and that was another story! Whilst I was exposed to many sports, my fascination, love, and of course a cheeky determination to outperform my five brothers was always in rugby! When I turned 10, my family moved to Australia, and unfortunately, there was no pathway for girls playing rugby in Oz. So, it was back to the netball courts, soft ball pitch and backyard cricket with the neighbours. Several years on, I finally got the opportunity to play touch football in Canberra. It wasn’t rugby but close enough! I was that crazy, little Maori girl side-stepping, swerving, cut-passing and dummy-switching her way up the field. Within a few short games of touch I realised how much I was drawn to the adrenalin rush – and how that had been missing in all the other sports I played. So, you can imagine my excitement when at the age of 24, I was asked to help pull together the first ever women’s rugby team in Canberra to compete at the Nationals. I had no idea where this journey would take me. All I knew was that I was bursting at the seams with excitement, anticipation and passion to play rugby.

Now aged 54, and happily married with two beautiful girls (well three, including my wife), I feel so honoured and privileged to have gone on this journey, as one of the pioneers for women in contact sport in Australia. My life has been enriched in ways that are beyond words. I am forever grateful for all the incredible people, and lifelong rugby friends that I have met along the way. Thank you Lib for all the memories we’ve shared, and those wild and crazy times overseas, in Canberra, and Sydney throughout our 30-year friendship…Glad you kept some of those “What happens on tour, stays on tour…” out of your book lol!”

“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 dominated sport. I met Libby around 1996 when we were playing for our respective states at the Nationals, before we both went on to make the Wallaroos squad. We were also in the inaugural team to represent our country at the Hong Kong 7s, though we could not go as Australia as we were not sanctioned by Australian Rugby (one of 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 7s 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.”

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 in documenting 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 the 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.”

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, and 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.”