Jess Fishlock: Boss Rhian Wilkinson hails retiring Wales great

The Australia game will be Wales’ first since Euro 2025, their major tournament debut.

Fishlock was integral to their historic qualification and, having enjoyed a stellar club career which has seen her win trophies all over the world, the Cardiff-born playmaker said she had realised a lifelong dream by representing her country in such a competition.

Three months on from the Euros in Switzerland, Wales’ fans will get the opportunity to show their appreciation to Fishlock on home turf a week Saturday.

“This was always the plan,” said Wilkinson. “After the major tournament, to schedule a friendly against fantastic opposition at home in Cardiff, for any players that might have wanted to retire, I think that was a nice thing to know that was on the schedule or on the horizon.

“So they didn’t have to play the last Nations League game and think ‘was this my last time playing in Wales?’ They knew there was always going to be a home game after the tournament where they could make a decision. That was important for me.”

Another player bidding farewell when Australia visit is Kayleigh Barton, who will not be playing having announced her retirement from all football in August.

Wilkinson is keen to use the occasion to acknowledge former forward Barton, who won 89 caps for Wales and now coaches Saltdean United.

Wilkinson has suggested that other Wales players might choose to retire over the next year or two and, if they do, she hopes they approach the decision like Fishlock did.

“We had lots of conversations. It’s such a private moment when someone makes that final decision, and she she’s being really good about it,” Wilkinson added.

“She hasn’t had any knee-jerk moments. She’s taken her time, she’s had lots of conversations with loved ones, and then when she was ready, it was very clear for her.

“I just get to sit in the chair at that moment when she does decide to retire, which is a privilege for me to be able to do that. But we do need to recognise Kayleigh Barton as well. These two women have given so much.

“To sit there on the other end of the phone when they make that decision, it’s not easy to hear, but also I’m hugely appreciative of everything they’ve done.”