1
Will Genia to retire from international rugby
By Online Editors
Wallabies veteran Will Genia has today announced he will retire from international rugby at the end of 2019 following the World Cup in Japan.
Genia became just the tenth Australian test centurion when he ran out against England at Twickenham last year, and only the second-ever Australian scrumhalf after George Gregan to earn the honour.
The 31-year old is set to play a key role in the Wallabies’ World Cup campaign before joining Kintetsu in Japan’s second division next season.
Genia said: “When I had to make the decision, I felt the time was right for me. I’m very happy that I’ve made my country proud, my place of birth – Papua New Guinea - proud, and my family proud.
“From a team perspective this year, we want to start building momentum leading into the World Cup and obviously that starts during the Rugby Championship. From a personal perspective, I want to just enjoy it. It seems like just yesterday I walked into Wallabies camp at aged 21 and now I’m 31.
“There’s a whole bunch of young Australian halfbacks that are very, very good – and there’s experienced ones too with Nic White back now as well. I’m really looking forward to seeing the guys come through next year, especially the two young Queensland Reds boys [Tate McDermott and Moses Sorovi].
“I say it to the Reds boys now but Suncorp Stadium is still my home. That’s the most special place I’ve played footy. If I’m fortunate enough to be playing in the test match there against Argentina in a couple of weeks, that would be incredibly special and very emotional."
Genia made his international debut 10 years ago against New Zealand in July 2009, and is line to represent Australia at three World Cups, pending selection later this year.
He was the 78th Wallaby to captain Australia, after skippering the side against the United States of America at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Genia is currently with his Wallabies teammates in South Africa ahead of their Rugby Championship opener against the Springboks on July 20.
Bernard Foley speaks about leaving the Waratahs:
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Leinster player ratings vs Munster | 2024/25 URC
3
Jamal Ford-Robinson: 'In the gym we’re not lifting as frequently'
4
Nemani Nadolo: 'Now I cut grass, do gardens, cut hedges for a living'
5
Latest Comments
Here, all joking aside, did you actually watch this game? VDF was easily a player-of-the-match contender, and Porter & Slimani were both excellent in the scrums. Baird didn't suffer in "miserable conditions", it was a perfect winter night for rugby -- no wind, no rain, not particularly cold.
Oh and Ross Byrne's kicking wasn't his problem, it was everything else. I think you may have over-indulged on the mulled wine, Señor Cameron.
Go to commentsso 2 conclusions:
1. there are basically 6 leagues with a total of 80 clubs where a player can make a living out of his passion .... gives space for roughly around 2'500 jobs worldwide
2. France is way ahead in professionalism (within rugby), which is doesn't come as a surprise, bearing in mind, rugby in the "commonwealth-world" having been regarded as a white collar sport for gentlemen, not having to bother in finding a job to cater for their lifestyle, whereas in France it's a grassroots sport
Go to comments