Wallabies great Will Genia calls time on rugby career

One of the Wallabies’ great halfbacks, Will Genia, has officially called time on an iconic playing career.

Now 37 years of age, Genia wrapped up his fourth season with Kinetsu Liners this year, having departed Australia following the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

During his 10-year Wallabies career, the Papua New Guinea-born talent claimed 110 Test caps, the seventh most of any player to don Wallaby gold, and captained the side on three occasions.

A U19 World Champion in 2006, he would go on to add silverware from Super Rugby, the Tri-Nations, and the Rugby Championship.

Genia expressed immense gratitude to all involved with his rugby journey as he farewelled the game.

“From walking into Ballymore at the end of 2006 as a kid, to travelling the world chasing a ball, it has been more than I ever thought it would be, so much so that it feels like a dream is all it should be.

“Moments in time, experiences shared, lessons learned and memories to last forever.

“Thank you to my people. It was only possible because of you. You know.

“Thank you to the teams, my teammates, coaches, teachers, friends and all the wonderful people in the game who helped me, guided me, shaped me, included me, put up with me and made me better. Thank you to the fans for making the game what it is.

“Finally… thank you rugby for all the joy. It was always the game and then everything else.”

 

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Hordes of international stars have flooded the post’s comment section, with members from all corners of the rugby world applauding the 2015 World Cup finalist as a legend of the game.

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh added his congratulations on a career sure to be remembered by rugby fans across the globe.

“On behalf of Australian Rugby, I extend my warm congratulations to Will for a brilliant international and provincial career,” he said.

“Will was a world-class No. 9 who starred on international rugby’s grandest stages for more than a decade. He has the rare distinction of having captained his country and played a leading role in some of his generation’s most famous matches.

“Will will forever be remembered as one of the most skilful and tenacious scrum halves of his generation and a role model for aspiring rugby players across Australia and Papua New Guinea. He should be immensely proud of all he achieved on the rugby field.”