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Wycliff Palu calls it a day for the Wallabies

Wycliff Palu's Test career is over. (Photo: Paul Barkley/LookPro)
29th July, 2016
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Wycliff Palu has called a time on his international career as he prepares to continue his playing days in Japan.

The 34-year-old racked up 57 appearances for the Wallabies after making his debut in 2006.

However, injuries curtailed his career in recent seasons, most notably a hamstring issue which forced him out of the Wallabies World Cup squad last year.

National coach Michael Cheika revealed on Friday that Palu told him of the decision to end his Test career at the end of Australia’s 3-0 series loss to England in June.

“He came and spoke to me after the series on him moving on and retiring from international rugby,” Cheika said.

“He doesn’t want any noise about this stuff.”

However, Cheika felt allowing Palu to leave without much fanfare would be a disservice to a player of his calibre.

“He’s one of the greatest servants we have, he’s done so much for Australian rugby, he shouldn’t be shifting outside the side door to Japan.

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“He’s been one of the great players I’ve coached because not only because of the way he plays the game but his attitude towards the team and what he does for the team, all class and always understated never looking for a team.”

Palu had been a stalwart at No.8 with the Waratahs since making his Super Rugby debut in 2005, racking up 135 caps for NSW. He had originally planned to leave the Super Rugby franchise at the end of the 2015 season after signing a contract with Japanese side Toyota Verblitz.

However, his injury allowed him to play one last season on Australian shores, providing the chance to play one final Test for the Wallabies in June.

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