Wallabies centurion Sekope Kepu will join halfback Will Genia in Test retirement at the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup.
The 33-year-old Kepu, who last year became the first prop to play 100 Tests for Australia, announced on Monday his plans to step down from international rugby.
It brings to an end his ties to Australian rugby after quitting the NSW Waratahs to play with UK club London Irish after the global tournament in Japan, which starts later this month.
Kepu is set to farewell fans at the Wallabies’ final World Cup warm-up game, against Samoa at Sydney’s Bankwest Stadium on Saturday.
The Australians have been preparing for the showpiece event with a training camp in New Caledonia.
Utility back Jack Maddocks and back-rower Rob Valetini joined the squad this week and are set for some game time against Samoa, easing the workload on the World Cup players.
“It’s going to very special, running out in front of family and friends as well as our home fans for the last time,” Kepu said.
The World Cup will be Kepu’s third and he feels he’s leaving the Wallabies in great shape, with a number of young props jostling for starting positions.
“There’s guys pushing for spots everywhere now,” he said.
“We have quality depth in Australian rugby and I’ll be looking from afar and just excited about what we have.
“We can play anyone in that front row and you can guarantee they are going to do the job, no matter who we are playing.”
Kepu made his Test debut 11 years ago against Italy in Padova before going on to win 105 caps – one of just 10 Australian players to reach triple figures.
He said he felt honoured to be in such esteemed company, including legends George Gregan, David Campese, George Smith and Genia.
“To notch 100 last year and to be a part of a group who are such great legends of the game in Australia … I don’t compare myself to them,” Kepu said.
“I never thought I’d be able to achieve that and I feel privileged to play for as long as I have.”
The Wallabies plan to honour Kepu with an on-field presentation after the Samoa match.
Australia open their World Cup campaign against Fiji in Sapporo on September 21.
Tony
Guest
yep enough said
jeznez
Roar Guru
I think Richie’s still more worried about Tialata
jeznez
Roar Guru
All good mate, I saw you change tack but thought I’d maintain my line. . Not sure that ref interpretations have much to do with only remembering a 105+ cap player for two incidents in a single match. . It’s like only remembering Mealamu and Umaga for that spear on O’Driscoll. Those are two of my all time favourite Kiwis and anyone belittling them saying, that’s all they are worth remembering them for, would get a similar response from me.
Tony
Guest
Bit of bite back there jeznez - I was just pointing out the inconsistencies of Referees around the world in how they deal with similar situations - Its a major RWC concern for all teams that a referee's individual interpretation could decide the result of the Cup
jeznez
Roar Guru
I always liked Devon, a shame that’s all we’ll remember him for now
Tony
Guest
Yep agree with you on Scott Barrett -though none of the Barretts are known for that sort of thing - Red Card bit harsh I thought - but hey same thing happened ( prob worse ) in last weekends Ireland v Wales game where an Irish Forward ( Toner ) charged shoulder first into a Welsh players head lying on the ground in a maul near his posts and not even a penalty !!!!!! go figure ?
P2R2
Roar Rookie
there was no one else to pick....old mother hubbards cupboard is/was/still is bare...
P2R2
Roar Rookie
Really....you must be joking Fionn….the man is a head-hunter...fullstop
P2R2
Roar Rookie
One of Australia's best head-hunters...just ask Richie...won't be missed...
bigbaz
Roar Guru
kiwi hey , got up your nose
Tony
Guest
Says a lot that u are relying on off the ball play which hes an expert at to try and get an edge - I agree with Locky and Jibba Jabba
jeznez
Roar Guru
Please tell us all about your amazing achievements. Who would you have picked instead of him? And you leave Fat Cat alone, he was a cracking loose head.
Locky
Guest
Legend ? They guy is hopeless.Just like other spuds Baxter Robinson Dunning and Young.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
One of our very greats sadly unappreciated but knew how to get up Kiwis noses which is always good.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Great servant of the game, huge acheivement racking up as many caps as he did. Held the Aussie scrum together through some pretty dark times. Absolute legend and wish him well.
jeznez
Roar Guru
I guess you'll just remember Scott Barrett for is his shot on Hooper the other week, Retallick for dropping Hanigan on his head, McCaw for that forearm to Cooper's jaw, Tialata for choking McCaw, Coles, Hore, Loe, Meads........ hang on there are actually some pretty good players in that lot, maybe we'll remember them for more than just one thing.
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
Not to mention Kepu's attempted cowardly late hit trying to decapitate McCaw after the ball was long gone.. what a hero.. and in line with how cheika seemed to want the game played..
Locky
Guest
Thug !!
Tony
Guest
Hi Fionn - Champion ? Im afraid all he will be remembered for here in NZ is the two late cheap shots he put on Dan Carter in the 2015 RWC Final - as per the link below https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/oct/31/dan-carter-new-zealand-australia-rugby-world-cup-final cheers
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
I think it’s great for Mic and for Samoa. Kepu is one of the champions.