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Will Genia to retire from international rugby

Will Genia. Photo / Getty Images.
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Wallabies veteran Will Genia has today announced he will retire from international rugby at the end of 2019 following the World Cup in Japan.

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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.”

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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:

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Phantom 33 minutes ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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