Dave Porecki Announces Retirement After Australian Rugby Comeback

Australia hooker Dave Porecki has made the unexpected decision to retire from professional rugby just weeks after reigniting his test career with the Wallabies. The New South Wales Waratahs player returned to the national team under coach Joe Schmidt with a match against Fiji last month, marking his first appearance for Australia in nearly two years.

Porecki’s recent journey has been marked by challenges, including injuries that hindered his performance in previous seasons. After a concussion sustained during the match against Fiji, he missed the opening test against the British & Irish Lions in Brisbane. Porecki was later recalled for the second test in Melbourne but faced another setback with a cut heel during training, sidelining him for the final clash in Sydney.

Throughout his career, Porecki earned 21 caps for the Wallabies. He expressed in a statement on Tuesday that now felt like the appropriate moment to transition to a new chapter in his life. “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,” he stated.

Porecki highlighted the importance of the support he received during his journey, expressing gratitude to all who stood by him. He particularly looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Shani, and their children, Luca, Charlie, and Billie. “I look forward to continuing to support the game away from the field in this next stage of my life,” he added.

In addition to his recent performances, Porecki was part of Australia’s squad for the 2023 World Cup, where he became the 88th Wallabies captain following an injury to Will Skelton. He led the team in three of their four pool matches during the tournament, showcasing his leadership abilities.

Coach Joe Schmidt praised Porecki, describing him as “the ultimate professional and quiet achiever.” Schmidt noted that Porecki prefers to lead by example, working diligently rather than seeking the spotlight. “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,” Schmidt remarked.

As Porecki closes this chapter of his rugby career, his contributions to the sport and his leadership on and off the field will be remembered by teammates and fans alike. His retirement leaves a significant mark on Australian rugby, and his future endeavors in supporting the game will be keenly anticipated.