Piper Duck's journey to the Rugby World Cup 2025 is a testament to her resilience and determination. After enduring nearly two years of constant injuries, Duck has fought her way back to fitness and is now ready to represent the Wallaroos in their opening World Cup clash.

The Injury Setbacks

Duck's path to the World Cup was fraught with challenges. In March, she suffered a shoulder injury during a Super Rugby Women's semifinal match, which initially seemed to rule her out of the tournament. This was just the latest in a series of injuries that had plagued her over the past two years. In 2023, a foot injury prevented her from captaining her side, and later that year, an ankle surgery kept her out of the Wallaroos' tour of Ireland and Wales, as well as the WXV2 tournament.

The Road to Recovery

Faced with the prospect of missing the World Cup, Duck consulted with surgeons and the team doctor. She had a tough decision to make: undergo surgery immediately and miss the tournament, or embark on an intensive rehabilitation program. Duck chose the latter, committing herself to months of grueling rehab to make a final push for selection.

"One of the first conversations I had with the doctor is that you won't play the World Cup," Duck recalled. "It's quite shattering hearing that at the time, but I spoke to a few people, got a few other opinions, and then went and saw a surgeon."

The Mental Battle

Recovering from such severe injuries wasn't just a physical challenge; it was a mental one as well. Duck sought the help of a sports psychologist to overcome the mental blocks associated with her injuries.

"I knew my mental block was going to be carrying because that's how I'd injured myself," Duck explained. "Honestly, not until I started training properly [did I feel confident in my shoulder]. Those first contacts, those first hits [were hard]."

The Comeback

Duck's hard work paid off. Twelve weeks after her injury, she was back on the field, playing for the Australia A squad against Samoa. She then featured off the bench for the Wallaroos in matches against New Zealand and Wales, and started in the side's farewell clash in Sydney.

The World Cup Dream

Duck's selection for the World Cup squad was a moment of pure joy. "Honestly ecstatic," Duck said when asked about her selection. "After injuries and everything I've been through, it was one of those surreal moments. To have the opportunity to attend my second World Cup in itself is absolutely incredible."

Looking Ahead

Duck is now focused on the Wallaroos' opening Test against Samoa. With Australia's World Cup expectations of reaching the quarterfinals, a strong start is crucial. A win against Samoa and their Pac4 rivals, the USA, would likely secure their place in the knockout stage.

Piper Duck's journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination required to overcome adversity and achieve greatness in the world of sports.