Will Genia to retire from Tests after World Cup

David Skippers

Veteran Wallabies scrum-half Will Genia has announced that he will retire from Test rugby after the Rugby World Cup in Japan later this year.

Genia and Rebels team-mate Quade Cooper are both set to head to Japan after the World Cup, with Japanese Top Challenge League club Kintetsu announcing the pair’s acquisition on Thursday.

The pair would both remain Test eligible despite moving overseas, with 100 and 70 Tests to their names, but Genia has ruled himself out of any further international involvement.

Genia became the 10th Wallaby to play 100 Tests when he ran out at Twickenham against England last year and said he would reflect on his career with immense pride.

“When I think about my Test career I’m very happy that as it stands I’m one of only 10 players to play 100 Tests for Australia,” he told Rugby Australia’s official website.

“My longevity in the game thus far, very happy I’ve made my country proud but also my birth country Papua New Guinea and my family proud.

“I feel like I’m leaving at the right time because there’s a whole bunch of young players who are coming through who are very, very good and some experienced ones as well with Nic (White) and Joey (Powell) who’s had a couple of Tests as well.

“I think there’s some very, very talented guys coming through and guys who are willing to work hard and have those ambitions.”

Genia said he also wanted to spend more time with young daughter, Olivia, an opportunity that the shorter Japanese season would provide.

“She was probably one of the biggest reasons to leave and go to Japan and… retire from Test footy because I just want that time to spend with her,” he said.

“She’s going to start going to school soon and I won’t be able to spend all that time with her so I want to make the most of it.”