‘It’s his last Test’ – Marika Koroibete set to hang up his boots after the Rugby World Cup

Dylan Coetzee 03 Oct 2023 7:23 AM

Wallabies wing Marika Koroibete looks on.

World-class Wallabies wing Marika Koroibete is expected to retire from Test rugby after what was likely their final game of the Rugby World Cup.

The news comes from robust front-row and good friend of Koroibete, Pone Fa’amausili, who revealed that the wing had spoken to him and head coach Eddie Jones about his decision.

A quality player for Australia

Koroibete has long been a superstar of Australian rugby regardless of the form of the overall team. The winger has been in the bracket of the best wings in the world for several years due to his turn of pace, physicality and defensive qualities.

The Wallabies need Fiji to slip up against Portugal to advance further, meaning that the victory over the same side could be Koroibete’s last game. Fa’amausili felt the Test was a significant one.

“It was awesome mate,” Fa’amausili told Wide World of Sports.

“We had Slips (James Slipper) who’s reached the most Tests in the World Cup (for Australia) and Marika, it’s his last Test. I think he’s retiring from Test footy.”

“Gutted” not to share the field anymore

The prop further confirmed the news and underlined that he is “gutted” that he could not play more with the winger.

“I think he spoke earlier to Eddie (Jones) when he had a one on one with him,” Fa’amausili said.

“And I’m real close to Marika and he definitely spoke to me, before we came to France, that this will be his last time putting on the gold jersey for the Wallabies.

“I’m real gutted that I won’t be able to play with him ever again because I played with him at the Rebels and I’m really grateful to share the field with him. He’s obviously one of my best mates and you couldn’t ask for more out of a player.

“He’s ultimately one of the best, if not the best, winger in the world.”

Koroibete’s retirement will come as part of a changing of guard which has already begun under Jones as the Wallabies look to find their feet to mount a charge at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in their backyard.

Australia