Wallabies star makes shock retirement days after the British and Irish Lions Series
Wallabies hooker Dave Porecki.
Wallabies and Waratahs hooker David Porecki has announced his shock retirement from professional career with immediate effect.
The front rower’s decision comes just days after the third Test match between Australia and the British and Irish Lions, which the Wallabies won 22-12.
Porecki was set to feature in the match, having been named in the matchday 23, but withdrew due to injury on the eve of the Test match.
The 32-year-old born and bred in Sydney traversed an unconventional path in professional Rugby, spending five seasons in the UK with Saracens and London Irish (2015-2020), after playing just the one Super Rugby match for NSW in 2015.
Dave Porecki retires
Porecki returned to Australian Rugby and the Waratahs ahead of the 2021 Super Rugby season, and his Wallabies debut came a year later in a memorable win against England in Perth.
Known for his accuracy at set piece and tireless work rate, Porecki was named in the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad and became the 88th Wallabies captain, after injury to Will Skelton, leading the side in three of their four pool matches at the tournament.
However, an injury setback saw him miss the entire 2024 season, but he fought his way back to the international stage to start for the Wallabies in their first Test this year against Fiji.
His 21st and final appearance in Wallaby gold was against the British & Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
“To wear the Wallaby gold and Waratahs blue was a dream of mine as a boy growing up in Manly and to be able to say I did both is something I’m incredibly proud of,” Porecki said.
“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.
“There’s a lot of people who have supported me in my journey, and to them I’ll be forever grateful. I’m especially looking forward to spending more time with my wife Shani and kids Luca, Charlie and Billie.
“I look forward to continuing to support the game away from the field in this next stage of my life.”
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “Porky is the ultimate professional and quiet achiever. 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”.
“On behalf of everyone within the team we wish him and his family all the best in this next stage of their lives.”
NSW Waratahs boss Dan McKellar added: “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.
“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.
“But like all Waratahs players, he’ll always be welcome in this building and then within this group. But I fully understand and respect his decision.
“With any footballer, a time comes where it’s ‘I’m ready to move on to the next chapter.’
“David is obviously comfortable with that and ready to take that next step in life. We just wish him all the best.”
READ MORE: Nic White ready to ‘pass on the baton’ as Wallabies veteran calls time on his illustrious career
