Wallabies vice-captain Will Genia will retire from international rugby at the end of Australia’s World Cup campaign this year.
The 31-year-old is leaving Australian rugby to play in Japan with second division club Kintetsu Liners, alongside his Melbourne Rebels teammate Quade Cooper.
Genia is one of just 10 players to have earned 100 caps for the Wallabies and has been Australia’s first-choice halfback for the best part of a decade.
He made his debut against New Zealand in 2009 but Genia says he now wants to spend more time with family and make way for the next generation of Australian halfbacks.
“There’s only so much of yourself that you can give and being in this position of playing for your country you give everything,” Genia said.
“From an emotional perspective, mental perspective, physical perspective, you give absolutely everything and you get to a point where you realise there’s only so much of yourself that you can give and for me I’ve got to that point.
“I feel like I’m leaving at the right time because there’s a whole bunch of young players coming through that are very good, and experienced ones too with Nic (White) and Joey (Powell).
“The guys yet to experience playing at this level for a long time, they bring in a fresh sense of enthusiasm and energy that I certainly can’t.
“I still have the passion and pride and honour of representing my country, absolutely, and I’m as competitive as anyone. But when you bring that fresh sense of enthusiasm and energy into the group it brings something else with it.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the guys come through next year.”
The Wallabies play five Tests before their Japan World Cup campaign kicks off against Fiji on September 21.
Genia wants to retire a World Cup winner and said he’ll be relishing his remaining time in Wallaby gold.
“I want to really enjoy it, it seems like just yesterday I was lucky enough to have walked into Wallabies camp at the age of 21 and now I’m 31 and I don’t have much longer left,” Genia said.
“I’m very much content with everything I’ve done, that’s not to say I’m happy with losing and not having won Bledisloes and not having won more trophies … but I’m very happy that I’ve made my country proud but also my place of birth, Papua New Guinea, proud and my family proud.”
Bobby
Roar Rookie
I wonder whether Gwnia’s announcement will affect his Wallaby selection Prob ably not but the door rhat was ajar for Nic White is certainly now, wide open. Am sure during the RC, both will get starts and the best performer will be the starting half at RWC
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
One of Australia's great scrumhalves, Will was the best in the world at his peak. Had injury not intervened, he may well now be regarded as one of the all time greats of any nation. I wish him well in retirement from the International scene, and hope he has a few more years left to enjoy the game, with a lot more family time in a great rugby country.
Jacko
Guest
being selected is no indication of being able to play at the highest level at all.....Its a statement that he is the best option available to those selecting him.....Remember Eddie the Eagle? He was selected.....
Puff
Guest
Dedicating ten years to the OZ system is great service particularly with the fractured decline the code is experiencing at the highest level. He has enjoyed respect for his abilities and sniping runs from behind the scrum. What I specifically like; Will recognizes his capacity to manage injury and the pace of the code is on the decline. The slower pace of Japan from a professional view point is a fitting way to complete a career with quality family time.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Most of my fondest memories of Rugby in the past 10 years involve Quade Cooper and Will Genia. Not many memories mind you, but still the fondest. Shining stars in an otherwise dark time for our code in Australia.
Leroy14
Roar Rookie
Thanks Will for some awesome rugby. I’ve enjoyed watching you play. Good luck for the future. The retirement took me by surprise but given your statement and having thought about it, it makes sense. Sad to see him go but happy for him. Time for Tate McDermot and Moses Sorovi to step up. Might see Nic white as Wallabies halfback for a year or so before the other contenders are ready to step up.
ethan
Guest
He's been a quality scrumhalf and is not overstaying his welcome. Respect for that. His experience will be vital at the WC, and as he says, we've got some youth coming through for the following years.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Interesting use of the word "excellent". Bledisloe I hear you say? We are back to the sad old days when the cup was lost...found some time later in Melbourne. Surely "excellent" must be measured against the best...and we have been short if that mark for some time now.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Genia is way past his peak. At least RA recognised that and that is why he’s off to a Japanese 2nd drv club..
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Ok Will, thanks for your service. However if you have lost the desire then you should not be selected in the RC or RWC teams. I do think you have lost a bit of pace and possibly endurance. I think Powell at this stage is getting to rucks quicker and clearing the ball quicker. I don't want to see Wallaby performances handicapped by slow half back service and inability to take options.
Purdo
Roar Rookie
OK
Garry
Guest
What a champion. Such a shame his arc coincided with (what shall be forever know as) the Cheika years.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
I’m far from convinced that there is such a thing as a professional athlete ‘hanging on too long’ - particularly when they are still being selected to play at the highest level as is the case with Genia. I think the idea that a professional sportsperson should retire while they are still ready willing and able to compete at a professional level is completely misconceived.
Purdo
Roar Rookie
Well, It's a fair question. I don't know how people can retire before they have fallen away from their peaks. Ideally there should be a challenger who replaces them before they fall too far. I've had the impression in last year's tests and in this year's super rugby, that Will was past his best. He seems to be saying that. He certainly says he has lost the desire. I didn't feel that John Eales had hung on too long past his peak. I'm hoping that Will Genia has a few brilliant games left in him, and I guess he is hoping so too. But is either of us really convinced?
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
How is the retirement announcement to late? He is still the premier halfback in Australia and will be selected to take the field in the next game and in the World Cup. Are sportsmen meant to retire at the moment that they reach the peak of their playing ability?
Purdo
Roar Rookie
Best of luck in the future to Will, and thank you for the tremendous games you have played in the past. My feeling here is that Will is bowing out knowing that he has already given his best. That's been my impression watching Super Rugby this year. I think the retirement announcement is a bit too late, but I've not been in such a position, and I don't know how one could bow out just at one's peak or conceivably just before, rather than waiting until one was well on the downward slope.