Wallabies captain Ben Mowen is to quit Australian rugby at the end of the 2014 season.
Mowen, 29, has decided to move to Europe, ruling him out of the 2015 World Cup.
The move will come as a massive blow for the Australian Rugby Union and Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie who installed Mowen as national skipper in his debut season for the Wallabies last year, replacing incumbent James Horwill.
Brumbies skipper Mowen reportedly wants to put his family first, and the heavy travel schedule involved in Super Rugby and with the Wallabies had him missing time with his wife Lauren and daughter Eleanor.
He is believed to be negotiating a deal in French club rugby.
Mowen spent almost seven months away from his family in a hectic 2013, which included a Super Rugby finals campaign, a British and Irish Lions series and six-week spring tour of Europe.
“It’s the hardest decision of my career and I flipped 100 different ways trying to figure out which way I was going to go,” Mowen told Fairfax Media.
“But being away for so long, it was a bridge too far. It’s time to put my family first, that’s the most important thing.
“I’m extremely thankful for the opportunities I’ve had, but the reality is it is time to put my family first and have quality time together.”
Mowen told McKenzie and Brumbies coaches Stephen Larkham and Laurie Fisher of his decision on Monday.
He is expected to announce his decision at a media conference on Thursday morning.
He was well aware of the enormity of his decision, given he is Wallabies captain.
“I am probably the first [Wallabies captain to be in this situation], but I’m also probably the first bloke to make his Test debut at 28 and retire at 29,” said Mowen.
“It was short and sweet for a Test career. It’s a hard decision. It took months, but I’m comfortable where I’ve come to and I’m proud of the contribution I’ve made.”
Mowen said he made his decision public now rather than later in the year to give McKenzie, Larkham and Fisher more time to plan for the future.
Mowen made his Test debut in June and played every international match last season.
He took over as captain for six Tests, including all five matches on the Grand Slam tour of Europe. He won five of six Tests as captain.
Mowen also led a Brumbies revival in Canberra over the past two seasons, including making the Super Rugby final last season.
Mowen hasn’t ruled out a return to Australian rugby, but admitted he would likely finish his career abroad.
“I never thought I’d leave the Queensland Reds and I did. I never thought I’d leave NSW to join the Brumbies, but I did,” Mowen said.
“I’d be naive to say that I will never play for Australia again – you just don’t know.
“It’s sad to be leaving, but I’m leaving something that I treasure rather than something I just want to get out of.”
McKenzie confirmed Mowen’s decision would make him ineligible for selection for the 2015 World Cup, but said the door to Australian selection would be open to him if he returned to Australia.
“I’ve known Ben throughout his career and I’ve enjoyed watching him reach the pinnacle of our sport by representing Australia and leading the national team as captain,” McKenzie said.
“He has been in touch with me regularly throughout his decision-making process and he’s approached this decision in his usual style – with professionalism and diligence.
“It’s obviously disappointing to lose a player of Ben’s calibre but, after speaking to him about his personal priorities, we appreciate that he is making this decision based on what is right for him personally and professionally.
“I wish him every success and he knows he is always welcome in Australian rugby in the future.”
Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver said Mowen would be missed and thanked him for his contribution to Australian rugby.
“Ben has been an outstanding contributor to Australian rugby and role model since he made his Super Rugby debut in 2006,” Pulver said.
“Rugby is an international business and, while we’re disappointed to know Ben will be heading to France in 2015, we respect his decision.
“On behalf of the Australian rugby community, I want to thank him for his significant contribution and wish him all the best for the future on and off the field.”
Cattledog
Guest
WOW. Seven months away from family playing rugby. Hang on, not entirely. How many times were you with them over that period? There's guys away that period of time year in year out to make considerably less than you and in many cases, having bad asses shooting at them into the bargain. Some of these players really need to HTFU!!! You play rugby at the elite level, that requires commitment. Don't tell me you didn't realise it meant being away from family. What a croc.
Kiwi Rugby/Rugby League Fan
Guest
Great player . Sh** to see him leave super 15.Aru should be paying forwards girst an formost
PeterK
Guest
I should of emphasised the THEN. IF he made the wallabies in 2014 THEN in 2015 he would get a top up since he would qualify. I did not state he would get a top up this year but I understand how it could be read that way.
Rebel
Guest
Maybe the All Blacks can sponsor the Walkabies. Already given them players, coaches, might as well throw in a bit of cash.
atlas
Guest
article states otherwise: "Mowen would have to wait until 2015 for a top-up to his Brumbies salary, because he only made his Test debut this year at the age of 28."
Markus
Guest
If the ARU haven't offered him a top-up, do they have a say in the matter? Do players sign an agreement to make themselves available for all Test windows, even without an ARU contract?
Hopperdoggy
Guest
How about Fox Wallabies for confusion? Or maybe the Superdry Wallabies would be appropriate after the Dunlin-6-gate incident?
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Oh fabulous. Just fabulous.
Magic Sponge
Guest
True he was a great leader and captain but the worst wallaby player to captain Aust
Ben.S
Roar Guru
EdIt: but then look at how good a signing Dean Mumm has been for Exeter. Guess I'd have to bow to the judgement of O'Connell on this one.
In Brief
Guest
France is an interesting country. It may be different for rugby players who are supported by the club and teammates, but for the average foreigner it is not the most hospitable place. The people are extremely polite, but in terms of reaching out and accepting strangers into their lives, from personal experience it can be a very cold place despite the weather. I can imagine living in Galwey for a couple of years would be a lovely experience.
Gatesy
Guest
Wash your mouth out, mate! Ben will always be remembered as a Brumby, first and foremost - a man's man, a man of his word and a true gentle-mam! Ben, you go with our blessings, and it can't have been easy, trying your guts out all of those years, and then, not just brought into the side, but made captain - I hope that you sometimes stop and say - "here is what you missed all of those years"
Ben.S
Roar Guru
Interesting. These sorts of rumours tend to make the internet, and I've not heard this one before. Personally I'm not sure how well Mowen would be suited to European rugby. His set piece work would be a huge plus, but he couldn't play 8 and the majority of 6s in Heineken Cup are more physical.
formerflanker
Guest
Good luck Ben. Your 100% efforts in all matches were an inspiration to many fans who just wanted pure effort from our team, and wanted to see our boys believe in themselves as part of a functioning team. You were steadfast in the face of the enemy, and cool under fire. We don't know how hard the opposition hits as we watch from the sidelines, nor how hard you worked to prepare for the contest. However the way you stood up to our foes gave many of us the feeling we were watching the re-ignitement of Australian self-belief. You have a wonderful record of winning test matches as captain, and whilst I wish you were to stay on for a longer period I understand where your priorities lie. Thanks for what you brought to the Wallabies and enjoy France.
RobC
Guest
Agree. Family first. I would not brand him a traitor or a opportunist. He worked hard to elevate a struggling Brumbies and stepped up for Australia and WBs when asked. He's been good on and off the field. Let him live his life and take care of his family, just as we do ours. Congratulations to BW for doing well.
Brumbie Jack
Guest
Magic Sponge....7 months travelling away from young family and then only on match payments ....that's the truth! Why don't you speak the truth?
Brett McKay
Expert
Interesting now that the latest reports suggest the ARU may not release Mowen early. McKenzie may yet want him for France and TRC...
JP
Guest
Unfortunately PeterK a top up in 2015 does not mean that it would be the same as everyone else, all players are on different top ups, Mowens top up would have been down the lower limit because of his age at 31 years so the ARU were playing silly beggars and relying on the attraction of a World Cup to not compensate players properly for their contribution. He would earn in one month what the ARU 12 month top up would be ......assumption
Brett McKay
Expert
And a swag of ex-Brumbies at that, Ben: Hegarty, Hand, Kimlin, Palmer, and they're just the ones in the last 18 months...
Brett McKay
Expert
pretty much exactly as I said Ben. At that stage I don't think he'd quite sorted his contract beyond 2013, and the Munster officials (and the Lions, more broadly) were very impressed with him during the series, and they made a big play for him..