Wallabies and Waratahs veteran Dean Mumm has announced he will retire from rugby union at the end of 2017.
The 33-year-old played 57 Tests for the Wallabies, including one as captain, and 124 games for the Waratahs, with 112 of those coming in Super Rugby. Mumm said he was retiring from rugby so he can focus on philanthropic interests, as well as furthering his career away from the game.
Mumm made his debut for New South Wales in 2004 before his first Super Rugby in 2007, quickly becoming one of the best players in the side and staying on with the Waratahs until 2012.
The second-rower made his Wallabies debut in 2008 after representing an Australia A a year earlier, and went on to captain a single game for the national team against Uruguay during the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
After the 2012 Super Rugby season, Mumm linked up with the Exeter Chiefs in the English Aviva Premiership. He captained the side throughout his tenure, before returning to the Waratahs in 2015 where he has played since a stint that has seen him regain selection for the Wallabies.
“I’ve had a great career in rugby and it’s given me so much but now I see it as an opportunity to give back, as well as spend some quality time with my family,” Mumm said.
“It’s always tough to know when to call it a day but I’ve been really lucky to play rugby around the world and I’ve enjoyed my time recently as RUPA President as well.”
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said he enjoyed coaching Mumm at the top level of the sport.
“He made a big decision to return to Australia in 2015 and stepped up his game to a new level, while also taking on more responsibility in developing others around him,” Cheika said.
“Dean’s got a real plan for his life post rugby and we will support with that in any way we can, but he has still got plenty of opportunity to leave a legacy in the gold jersey and I expect he will do everything he can to do that before he hangs up the boots.”
Once he hangs up the boots, Mumm will hike to the North Pole in order to raise money for premature birth research charity Borne.
“Sarah (Mumm’s wife) and I are really passionate about the premature birth foundation, so I’m looking forward to contributing whatever I can to helping the cause.”
Peter
Guest
As soon as you resort to "Political Correctness", with the implication that somehow poor little downtrodden you is being forcibly silenced, it is completely evident that you have no actual evidence-based argument even though you may have cast-iron immoveable opinions.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
He's retiring. Can't you just be happy about that and leave it at that? It's hardly the time for having a go at the man who is leaving the sport to become a philanthropist. If he's selected in June then complain all you like, but it isn't really the correct time or place to start an anti-Mumm thread.
Jimbo81
Guest
Name a single instance where 1) Mumm had a good game 2) Mumm earnt selection on form. Political Correctness be damned. He was a shockingly poor selection. We're entitled to vent our frustration and in the context of an ARU board shake up - hard truths are necessary now - not more sugar-coating.
Fin
Roar Rookie
Don't stress we'll get Coleman next year when the Force are punted.
Peter
Guest
The amount of sheer unadulterated bloody nastiness in these posts is mind-boggling. Hands up everyone (with real name and Tests played, please) who has played 57 Tests for Australia. And as for "Gee, his family is actively involved in rugby and that just PROVES his selections were all only because of family connections"... words fail me. And no doubt you all see yourselves as dyed-in-the-wool true-blue supporters of Australian rugby. And of course you will all say But I'm entitled to my opinion. So am I. Up the lot of you.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Perfect summary, Rhys.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
Just as well you have a long memory Clash, because that was the last time Scotland beat the Wallabies for nearly three decades. No wonder you sound angry?. As for Mumm, I don't think we are dealing with pure parochialism here. There are plenty from all states who simply don't think he deserved his gold jersey, at least the second time around. There are plenty who are irked at the thought of better players like Dennis, Higgenbotham and Horwill missing out, especially since they had remained committed to Aussie rugby while Mumm waltzed into a Wallabies jersey from overseas, after only three games with the Tahs. But people here who point out that that isn't Mumms fault are right, Cheika picked him so it is on him, Mumm can't be blamed for taking the opportunity. I wish him well in his retirement and admire decision to commit to philanthropy as his first post rugby endeavour.
Corpus
Guest
If only Morahan played for the Waratahs in 2013-14 He would have at least 80 test caps by now
Char Grill'd
Guest
Yeah good luck Dean. You were such an awesome player and the Wallabies were unbeatable when you were selected. You're the best bloke ever and the greatest rugby player to ever lace on a boot. Your combination with Chieka, Palu, Phipps, Skelton and Hooper will go down in history as one of the greatest and no one played with more heart, skill or courage than you Dean. In an age of corruption in sport, cronyism and nepotism - you rose above that Dean and let your rugby do the talking. Thanks again Champ - look back on your career with pride.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
"Always a clean ..." I wasn't going to buy in too much on this but a great legacy of fair play is reward that should only go to those who have earned it, lest it be devalued. Dean Mumm is not one of those who earned it, ask the Irish player he dumped on his head last year. Christ, who are we going to give accolades to next just because they are retired ... Richard Loe?
Jackster
Guest
I think you overestimate Daddy Boy Dean's abilities. Just because he represented the Wallabies about 50 times doesn't necessarily mean he deserved to or was good enough to receive the honour. To be jealous of Dean Mumm as a rugby player would be akin to being jealous of a homeless tramp. I suppose you think Mark Ella is a good columnist.
Clash
Roar Pro
Pay attention Monsieur spy. It's to underline the unpleasantness which creeps in by those negative individuals who think they have an inelaniable right to cut down somebody on paper but don't have the guts to,actually put their name to their opinion... or, for that matter, to tell it to their face.
PeterK
Roar Guru
the vitriol directed against Mumm is state based parochialism as was the booing against the Ella brothers
double agent
Guest
Interesting story Clash. i remember that booing. Not quite sure what is has to do with Dean Mumm's retirement though?
Wozza
Guest
I'm pretty sure he has a dog. TWAS have you got the stats on Mumm's pet status?
Marto
Guest
Oh yeah,, right... You still dazed and confused I see, .i`ll call the hospital back when your shock treatment is finished ..
samoanaussie91
Guest
Point taken AlBo.
Ryan
Roar Rookie
His long arms would've come in handy carrying the drinks for the mighty Northern United.
Ryan
Roar Rookie
Fionn - agree. Tried to niggle at the best locks in the world in Whitelock and Rettalick, to no end. The vitriol verbiage and niggle he displays is to compensate for his lack of on-field skill.
Jimbo81
Guest
Was going to write more about the ARU and Wallaby performance over the time the Mumm's were involved but realised: Today's news is the best news Australian rugby has had since the RWC draw and rather than go negative, I choose to celebrate.