Mitchell calls time on rugby career

Mon, Apr 17, 2017, 10:21 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Drew Mitchell is taking off into the sunset. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley
Drew Mitchell is taking off into the sunset. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

Wallabies veteran Drew Mitchell is set to retire, after 71 Tests and 14 seasons of professional rugby.

The 71-Test veteran took to Twitter on Monday night to officially call time on his career, 13 years after making his Super Rugby debut with the Queensland Reds, writing: "So it's my turn to call time on my rugby career! I've been very lucky to have had the experiences I've had in our great game".

Mitchell began his Super Rugby in Queensland, playing three seasons for the Reds before moving to the Force in its second season in 2007.

The winger moved to the Waratahs in 2010, playing four seasons with the NSW club before joining Matt Giteau in Toulon in 2013.

In that time, Mitchell was part of Toulon's Champions Cup wins in 2014 and 2015, before making a return to the Wallabies setup under the 'Giteau's Law'.

Mitchell was linked to a return to Australia this season but injuries have cruelled his year and the 33-year-old has moved to announce the end of his professional career.

The winger is Australia's most prolific World Cup try scorer, reaching 14 career World Cup tries in the England tournament in 2015.

MItchell's former teammates paid tribute to the winger on Monday night.

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