Australian rugby player David Porecki has announced his immediate retirement from professional rugby.
The 32-year-old Wallabies hooker had an unconventional career path, playing five seasons in the UK before returning to Australia and the Waratahs.
Porecki made his Wallabies debut in 2022 and went on to play a key role, even captaining the team in several matches during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. His retirement comes just days after being scratched from Australia’s win over the British and Irish Lions.
David Porecki’s Wallabies career came to an end due to a heel injury sustained during training.
Despite being ruled out for the entire 2024 season initially, he made a remarkable recovery to start in the Wallabies’ first Test against Fiji this year. His final appearance was against the British and Irish Lions in Melbourne.
Porecki expressed pride in representing the Wallabies and Waratahs, a dream he had since childhood.
“Rugby has given me so much to be thankful for and has been such a massive part of my life for so long but it feels like the right time for me to turn the page and start a new chapter.”
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt paid tribute to the outgoing rake.
“Porky is the ultimate professional and quiet achiever,” he said.
“He doesn’t say a lot, preferring to get on with the job and to lead by example, and he’s done that really well for the time that I’ve known him.” Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said.
“It’s a sad day when any when any player retires. I have worked closely with Porky for a number of years and have huge respect for him, with what he brings on field with his qualities at set piece, physicality, and toughness,” McKellar said.
“He’s never been the biggest hooker going around. He’s always played well above his weight.
“Off field, he’s a true family man and genuinely good bloke. He’ll be sadly missed throughout the walls of the Waratahs.”
