Wed, Sep 4, 2024, 12:00 PM
RugbyWA Media

https://wa.rugby/news/rugbywa-2024-l...-carley-202493

Introducing RugbyWA’s 2024 Life Member Inductee, Debbie Marie Carley.

Debbie Marie Carley (nee Hodgkinson) is a homegrown rugby legend. Wallaroo #71 with 9 Australian Caps, Carley began her rugby journey in a Perth high school, where she was selected for the State Schoolgirls U15 touch team playing in the Nationals in Adelaide.

In 2001, Carley relocated to New South Wales to join the Australian Wallaroos squad, who she debuted for in 2002 against Scotland in the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Spain. The beginning of her international career, Carley went on to represent Australia in both 15s and 7s, earning nine Wallaroos Caps.

In 2009, she played for the winning Australian side in the Inaugural IRB Women’s Rugby 7s World Cup in Dubai and in the Hong Kong 7s, as well as for the IRB Rugby 15s World Cup qualifying match against Samoa. The same year, she become the most decorated player in Women’s World Rugby, winning every accolade on offer - Player of The Series at the 2009 Sevens Rugby World Cup, IRB Women's Personality of the Year, ARU Women's Player of the Year & the inaugural Shawn Mackay Award for Australia's best 7s Player of the Year (man or woman) at the John Eales Medals. Back home, she was also awarded the West Australian ANZ Sports Star of the Year award.

In 2010, Carley represented Australia at the Women’s World Cup in England, where she was named in the IRB World Cup Dream Team.

Throughout her time representing Australia on an international level, Carley continued to be a powerhouse in the local circuit.

During her time in New South Wales in 2003 and 2004, she played for Sydney’s West Harbour, where she won Best Forward two years in a row, as well as the NSW Women’s Player of the Year in 2004.

Following her return to Perth in 2004, Carley became an integral part of both RugbyWA and Cottesloe Rugby Union Club.

At Cottesloe, Carley was both a key player and coach. She played in both 15s and 7s sides for Cottesloe, before going on to coach both the men’s and women’s 7s teams at the club. Carley was Cottesloe's five-time Highest Try Scorer, in addition to the club’s Fairest & Best in both 2005 and 2008. From 2016 to 2020, Carley also served as Cottesloe’s Treasurer, along with handling merchandising and events for the club.

From 2004 to 2010, Carley served in RugbyWA’s Women’s Committee, where she also served three years as Vice President. Following her return to the RugbyWA competition, Carley played and coached Western Australia’s Women’s representative team for both 15s and 7s, captaining the first 7s side the state fielded. In 2005 and 2007, she was named Western Australia’s Rugby Best & Fairest Player. Following her retirement from the sport, Carley has continued to serve RugbyWA, serving as a member of RugbyWA’s CRAC Committee in 2018 and 2019, and then as RugbyWA’s Citing Commissioner in 2021 and 2022.

A legend of women’s rugby, Debbie has played an incredible role in supporting and uplifting the game within Western Australia.

“RugbyWA’s Life Members have shown consistent dedication to the growth, development and longevity of rugby within Western Australia,” RugbyWA CEO, Simon Taylor, said.

“Debbie Marie Carley’s achievements as a player, her commitment to the women’s competition in Western Australia, and her tireless hours serving the rugby community mark an incredible sporting legacy. We are honoured to induct her as a Life Member of RugbyWA.”

Congratulations on becoming a RugbyWA Life Member, Debbie.