Australian rugby has bid farewell to one of its greatest players as former Wallabies captain and scrum-half, Will Genia, officially announced his retirement at the age of 37. Genia, widely regarded as one of the finest No. 9s of his generation, leaves behind a legacy that cements him as one of the sport’s modern legends.
The 78th man to captain the Wallabies, Genia represented Australia in three Rugby World Cups, amassing an incredible 110 caps over more than a decade at the international level. That tally makes him the seventh-most capped Wallaby in history, a testament to his consistency, durability, and class on the world stage.
In 2018, he joined an exclusive group of Australian rugby immortals when he became only the 10th player to reach the milestone of 100 Test appearances, achieving the feat against England at Twickenham. His final outing in the green and gold came in 2019, closing a chapter that saw him inspire teammates and thrill fans across the globe.
Reflecting on his journey, Genia took to Instagram to thank those who shaped his career. “Thank you to the teams, my teammates, coaches, mentors, friends, and all the amazing people in the sport who supported, guided, shaped, included, tolerated, and improved me,” he wrote. He also paid tribute to the fans, saying, “Thank you for making the game what it is. Lastly, thank you rugby for all the joy. It was always about the game first and everything else second.”
Read Also:
- Arsenal assess Havertz’s knee injury after long-term hamstring injury
- Al-Nasir boss hails Ronaldo after stunning victory against Al-Ittihad
- Newcastle make an improved £40m bid for striker Wissa
Genia’s career highlights included a nomination for the prestigious IRB Player of the Year award in 2011 following a standout World Cup campaign, where Australia reached the semi-finals before bowing out to eventual champions New Zealand.
After leaving the Wallabies, Genia continued to shine on the global stage, turning out for French powerhouse Stade Français, Japanese side Kintetsu Liners, and the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh hailed the retiring star as a player who transformed the position. “Will was a world-class number nine who shone on the biggest stages of international rugby for over a decade,” Waugh said. “He holds the unique honor of captaining his country and playing a key role in some of the most memorable matches of his generation.”
Genia’s departure marks the end of an era for Australian rugby, but his name will forever be etched in the sport’s history books as a leader, playmaker, and one of the most influential Wallabies to ever wear the jersey.
