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".
So it's my turn to call time on my rugby career!
— Drew Mitchell (@drew_mitchell) April 17, 2017
I've been very lucky to have had the experiences I've had in our great game.
Thank you
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.
@drew_mitchell Nooooooo!! 😢
— Matt Giteau (@giteau_rugby) April 17, 2017
Been a real privilege babe.. 👏🏼👏🏼
Very sad day though
@drew_mitchell Congrats on an amazing career bro. Was awesome to play with you even if it was a short period. All the best with your future endeavors
— Joe Tomane (@JoeTomane29) April 17, 2017
@drew_mitchell Congratulations on a huge career bro, the game will miss you 😘
— Adam Ashley-Cooper (@AdamCoopy) April 17, 2017
Congrats to @drew_mitchell on a stella career. A champion of the game who put the team first but also knew how to have a good time! #Rooster
— Bernard Foley (@bernardfoley) April 17, 2017
@drew_mitchell Well done Rooster, it's never an easy decision! You're one of the best I've had the pleasure of playing with...on and off the field! 🍻🍾🥂🍹🍷
— Ryan Cross (@ryan_crossy) April 17, 2017
Wwwwwhhhhaaaattt @drew_mitchell?!?! Its been one hell of an innings mate ✊🏽 https://t.co/nbV7zPVUUd
— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) April 17, 2017
@drew_mitchell Unbelievable thighs. Unbelievable player. Well done mate
— James Slipper (@JamesSlipper) April 17, 2017
