Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore has announced 2017 will be his last year in the green and gold, calling time on his lengthy international career.
Moore will play out the remainder of the Wallabies’ Tests in 2017 but the Spring Tour will be the end of his time with the national side. However, he will continue his Super Rugby career with the Queensland Reds in 2018 before retiring for good.
“I’ve been very lucky to have played as long as I have, and I’m incredibly grateful to the Wallabies and Australian Rugby for all its done for me. I also really want to thank all my teammates, coaches and staff I’ve had over my career,” Moore said.
“There’s still plenty of footy to go this year but I know the Wallabies will be left in very strong hands if we continue to work hard and stay grounded.”
However, the captaincy will pass from Moore into different hands for the rest of the year.
“As of the next Test I will be handing over the captaincy, and will spend the next four months supporting the new leadership team in any way possible,” Moore said.
“We have a great bunch of developing leaders like Michael (Hooper), Adam (Coleman), Bernard (Foley), Samu (Kerevi), Allan (Alaalatoa). Succession is a really important part of the leadership of any team and we’ve been working to that end for a number of years and having those discussions for some time.”
Moore’s successor as captain is yet to be announced, but Waratahs flanker Michael Hooper is looming as the man most likely after leading the side out during two of their June Tests.
There have been question marks surrounding the skipper’s form since the last World Cup, with some suggesting Moore was lucky to keep his spot in the side towards the tail end of 2016.
However, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika lauded the impact of Moore both on and off the field, and said the side will be looking to give Australia’s second most-capped player a fitting send-off later in the year.
“His contribution to this current team cannot be understated. What he’s achieved on the field is no mean feat but it’s his work off the field in his role as captain of Australia that has really impressed me,” Cheika said.
“We now have to make sure we send him off in the best way possible this year.”
Cheika also stressed Moore will be a key player in the upcoming Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup and Spring Tour campaigns.
“Stephen still has a big role to play within the team. This isn’t a farewell right now – he’s fully committed to getting the gold jersey back to the top this year.”
After making his Test debut 12 years ago, Moore has gone on to earn 120 caps for the Wallabies, a number that lags behind only legendary halfback George Gregan. Moore played for the Wallabies at three World Cups and was pivotal in steering the side to the final of the 2015 tournament.
The veteran hooker has also racked up 177 Super Rugby caps since his debut in 2003 for the Reds. A mid-career change of clubs saw Moore earn well over 100 appearances for the ACT Brumbies before returning to the Reds prior to the start of the 2017 season.
soapit
Roar Guru
didnt he get injured in his first 2 mins as captain or something? i think he was probably up there at that point but didnt regain it after injury
wasmute
Guest
MitchO, that has to be one of the funniest response I've seen on here for while. Especially nice that you can lighten things up a bit. My 2 cents is Coleman for captain for sure, or at least acting as ref for the Campese v Folau pre-game handbag bust-up.
Neveragain
Guest
About time, the guy is and has always been useless.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yeah ill go with the massively superior one?
PapanuiPirate
Roar Pro
Congratulations on a fabulous career. There was a time when he was up there as one of the best on the world and I don't say that lightly. His form dipped last year but at his age, with the innings he has played I don't begrudge him that. Always a class player on and off the field. Regarding his replacement, Pocock is the obvious choice going forward. I have to say though that David's mind goes beyond rugby and while that makes him an absolute role model I don't know is it will make him the best captain. I say give Hooper some time. Richie McCaw lost a world cup with the best team in the world and looked all at sea doing it. Look where he ended up. Based on what I have seen of Hooper's temperament I think he may well grow into the role. All the best Stephen, you have been a wonderful servant of Australian rugby!
Bakkies
Guest
Why Mortlock? He was the Brumbies captain and showed what he was capable of
Rugnut
Guest
Pocock will be captain. He's the only Aussie who is a definite in every game. Moore did 2 season too many. Well done though. Was lucky to be captain like Motlock.
Jock Cornet
Guest
Moore always gave his all, great player just slowed a touch. Well done on a great rugby career. Agree that Coleman should be captain as Hooper is a fantastic player but not a great captain.
ads2600
Guest
All the best on your future Steve, you were a very good player for a long time! But just a question, is that a typo in the paragraph which mentions games played? Maths isn't my strong point but the numbers add up to 397 first class games. If that is correct that is some achievement for a forward!!!
Armchair Sportsfan
Guest
Plenty of call's in these comments for Coleman to be made VC, as we're all resigned to the fact that Hooper will be Capt. I would love to see that, unfortunately the cynic in me would be willing to put a bit of money on the other golden child being the VC..... Hooper (Capt) Foley (VC)
ols
Roar Pro
I think you have the wrong Hore :D NSW CEO is not Hore the ex-player.
cuw
Guest
2016 October NZ37 : OZ10 i doubt Pocock was playing when Cheika took over as coach of oz ( though timelines are not my thingy).
ethan
Guest
Prior to the WC, yes - when we lost to the ABs. But then Cheika realised how good he was and I don't think its happened since (unless Pocock was coming back from a niggle?)
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Fin Concur! KP
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Congrats Steve Well played, well announced, well intentioned. Hope you and the Reds have a cracker 2018. Many thanks for 2005-2017. Best KP
Boonzie
Guest
Thankyou for your service and I think the right decision. ..but seriously, Hooper isn't a captain ! Is there really no one else ?!
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
oops. need cross check
Bob Wire
Guest
Well played Stephen, a loyal Wallaby. Played through some tumultuous times, a book would be interesting.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
'i think Dean Mumm was also the best player in Aviva or at he club …. even george Smith was the best player in Aviva last year i think ….' Quite often the player that wins 'best in the Aviva' or at their club is someone who doesn't go away on international duty and, therefore, plays all the games. Or, of course, it could be that Aussies are massively superior to the lumbering oafs who play rugby in England. Take your pick.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
In around 2013 he was easily one of the best, he was precise with all his core duties and bought so much more in attack. Those who didn't notice probably just didn't want to.