RELLE Donovan has played a big part in helping her country to World Cup glory.

The Coffs Coast player was part of the victorious Australian Women’s 40s team that triumphed at the 2024 Federation of International Touch World Cup in Nottingham, England.

It was the first time a Women’s 40s competition was held at a World Cup.

The Australians defeated New Zealand 4-1 in the final, with Donovan awarded Player of the Final.

She was shocked to find out she had been awarded the honour.

“I didn’t realise I had won it,” she said.

“They interviewed me after the game and I thought why weren’t they interviewing our captains,” she said.

“After the interview I walked over to my family and friends, and they told me I had won Player of the Final.

“I was shocked and I couldn’t believe it, as they announced it straight after the game, but you’re busy embracing and celebrating with the team, so I didn’t hear it or know that I’d won.”

The World Cup champion reflected on her achievement.

“Now that I’m finally back home I’ve got time to think about it, and it’s awesome,” she said.

“Being part of the first Women’s 40s team to win and having my family there, it was pretty special.

“It was an honour, and the thing that really hit home was at the opening ceremony, when they mentioned us, all eyes and cameras were on us – it was amazing.”

She said they faced tough competition in England on their way to winning the gold medal.

“We went through undefeated, but every game was hard despite the score,” she said.

“We only lead the final 1-0 at halftime, and in our last round game against Great Britain it was 4-4 at halftime.

“Watching the other teams warm up, they were doing the same things we were doing, and that’s cool.

“To see the game growing internationally, it’s really good to be a part of.”

Donovan and her Women’s 40s team were part of the Australian Emus who retained the Federation of International Touch World Cup, and were crowned Opens and Masters World Champions after winning twelve of the thirteen gold medals on offer.

Her World Cup win caps off a great two years in which she represented NSW in their winning State of Origin Women’s 40s team in 2022, and won the NSW State Cup the same year with the Port Macquarie Women’s 40s team.

By Aiden BURGESS