Wallabies scrum-half Will Genia has confirmed he will retire from the international game come the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup in Japan later this year.
The 31-year-old has been on the international scene for 10 years now and became only the tenth player to reach 100 caps for the Wallabies last year.
Genia believes that the timing is right for him to leave the international stage and wants to enjoy the rest of his time with the squad.
“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,” he said.
He also thinks that the national side are well stocked in the number nine jersey with plenty of young talent coming through the ranks.
“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,” he added.
Having made his international debut against New Zealand in 2009 Genia has gone on to become an integral part of the national set-up and has even captained the side.
Genia also announced earlier in the week that he would be departing Super Rugby and heading to play in the Japanese second-tier with the Kintesu Liners when the tournament in Japan ends.
He is currently with the rest of the Wallabies in South Africa as they prepare for their opening game of a shortened Rugby Championship against the Springboks, and it is expected Genia will play a key role for the Aussies in the World Cup after too.
