One of Australia’s most decorated players is set to finally hang up the boots, with scrumhalf Will Genia confirming his retirement at the age of 37.
Genia will finish his career as the seventh most capped Wallaby of all time with 110 Tests across his ten year international career.
In November 2018, Genia became just the tenth Australian and the second scrumhalf after George Gregan to reach 100 Tests when he ran out against England at Twickenham.
He also became the 78th player to captain the Wallabies, doing so on three occasions from 2011-2013, and went on to represent the side at three World Cups.
He also played for the Queensland Reds on 115 occasions, winning the the Pilecki Medal in 2010 and 2011.
He would captain the Reds in 2010, and was was voted the Australian Super Rugby Player of the Year in 2011, with his long range try in the final against the Crusaders securing a maiden title for the Reds.
He was nominated for 2011 IRB Player of the Year award following his performances at the Rugby World Cup and was part of Australia's U19 World Championship winning side in 2006.
Genia also earned 23 caps for the Melbourne Rebels, 21 caps with Stade Français, and 62 caps for Kintetsu Liners, where he finished his career in June this year after the Liners missed out in League One relegation play-offs.
He finishes his career with a Super Rugby title, a Tri-Nations title, a Rugby Championship title and a European Rugby Challenge title with Stade Français, as well as making the 2015 Rugby World Cup final.
Genia confirmed his retirement on his Instagram page, telling followers he will transition into the role of skills coach at Kintetsu alongside long-time teammate, Quade Cooper.
"From walking in to Ballymore at the end of 2006 as a kid, to travelling the world chasing a ball, it has been more than I ever thought it would be, so much so that it feels like a dream is all it should be," Genia wrote.
"Moments in time, experiences shared, lessons learned and memories to last forever. Thank you to my people. It was only possible because of you. You know.
"Thank you to the teams, my teammates, coaches, teachers, friends and all the wonderful people in the game who helped me, guided me, shaped me, included me, put up with me and made me better. Thank you to the fans for making the game what it is.
"Finally.. thank you rugby for all the joy. It was always the game and then everything else."
“On behalf of Australian Rugby, I extend my warm congratulations to Will for a brilliant international and provincial career,” added Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh.
“Will was a world class No. 9 who starred on international rugby’s grandest stages for more than a decade. He has the rare distinction of having captained his country and played a leading role in some of his generation’s most famous matches.
“Will will forever be remembered as one of the most skilful and tenacious scrum halves of his generation and a role model for aspiring rugby players across Australia and Papua New Guinea. He should be immensely proud of all he achieved on the rugby field.”
Genia's team mates have been quick to shower the legendary scrum half in praise, with Quade Cooper, David Pocock, Drew Mitchell, James Horwill, Nic White and Piri Weepu all sending messages of support and congratulations on his stellar career.
