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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.
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Even with absences we still had the cattle to make the playoffs. As it was, we nearly stumbled our way into the top 8. Which shows just how easy it was to get there. And still we failed. As for Razor, there are many instances of him patching up the Crusaders roster. Numerous. Several players I'd never heard of. Also, using AB legend John Afoa was a classic.
But, some of the games we were losing were from schoolboy errors, or downright confusion. Either the players were really dumb (they weren’t) or they were poorly coached. Given the repetitive nature of errors, brain fades, poor decision making, & loose structures, this all lands with the coaching group.
With only six playoff spots now in SR, & Aussie franchises now consolidated to four, 2025 looks like a tight one. I'm picking we'll have to tough it out under Penney & hope for the best.
Go to commentsAgree we need a 10, 12, 13 refresh. ASAP. Well, next season now lol. Reiko should be put back on the wing. He'll be an absolute menace there. Imagine 11 Reiko 14 Clarke 15 Jordan as the backfield unit.
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