In 2005, she missed her first match for the Black Ferns since 1996 due to injury. That year she was awarded International Women's Personality of the Year by the International Rugby Board (IRB). Representing Manawatu, she helped them earn promotion to the national women's championship in 2006, and that year captained the Black Ferns in her third World Cup. After defeating England 25–17 in the final of the 2006 World Cup Palmer announced her retirement from playing. During her time as captain the Black Ferns lost only once, and her 35 Tests for the Black Ferns is the second only to Anna Richards' 49.