Wallabies hooker David Porecki calls time on his career to ‘start a new chapter'
Porecki, 32, was part of Australia's squad for the three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions, but was ruled out of last Saturday night's third clash in Sydney because of a cut heel.
He also missed the Wallabies' 2024 campaign with an Achilles injury, but his retirement was seemingly unexpected as the national squad prepares to head to South Africa for two Rugby Championship games against the Springboks later this month.
'Rugby has given me so much to be thankful for and has been such a massive part of my life for so long but it feels like the right time for me to turn the page and start a new chapter,' said Porecki, who played in 21 Tests for the Wallabies.
'There's a lot of people who have supported me in my journey, and to them I'll be forever grateful.
'I'm especially looking forward to spending more time with my wife Shani and kids Luca, Charlie and Billie.
'I look forward to continuing to support the game away from the field in this next stage of my life.'
Porecki also captained the Wallabies during the 2023 Rugby World Cup after Will Skelton was injured.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said Porecki was the 'ultimate professional and quiet achiever'. 'He doesn't say a lot, preferring to get on with the job and to lead by example, and he's done that really well for the time that I've known him,' Schmidt said.
'On behalf of everyone within the team we wish him and his family all the best in this next stage of their lives.'
Sydney-born Porecki was proud to have represented both the Wallabies and the NSW Waratahs.
'To wear the Wallaby gold and Waratahs blue was a dream of mine as a boy growing up in Manly, and to be able to say I did both is something I'm incredibly proud of,' he said.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said Porecki would be 'sadly missed'.
'I have worked closely with 'Porky' for a number of years and have huge respect for him, with what he brings on field with his qualities at set piece, physicality, and toughness,' McKellar said.
'He's never been the biggest hooker going around. He's always played well above his weight.
'Off field, he's a true family man and genuinely good bloke. He'll be sadly missed throughout the walls of the Waratahs … but I fully understand and respect his decision.
'We just wish him all the best.'
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