Hoiles fully focused on semi-final

Editor

Veteran Waratahs back-row Stephen Hoiles has put thoughts of retirement on hold and is fully focused on Saturday's semi-final with the Highlanders in Sydney.

The 33-year-old admitted that he is unsure when he will hang up his boots and will only make a decision on his future when the Waratahs' season ends.

"I still don't know," Hoiles told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"I thought a couple of weeks ago, 'I'll wait until this season finishes and then decide.'

"It may well be my last. I'm not really getting caught up in that stuff because I don't know.

"I don't want to act as if it is [his last game] if it isn't …

"I've just gone with the attitude of, 'play the footy, get it over and done with' then sit down and decide."

And although he can't decide on his retirement date, Hoiles is certain about one thing though. When he does eventually decide to retire, he won't go directly into coaching.

"Not initially,' he added.

"I don't think I'll go down that path. Maybe in a few years.

"I always thought I'd like to, but I think I'd like a break from the team environment for a couple of years, to do something different and get away from the game.

"I may gravitate back towards it, but initially it's not something I want to jump straight into."