One of Australia’s most decorated players has officially called time on his career, with legendary scrumhalf Will Genia announcing his retirement at the age of 37.
Genia bows out as the seventh most capped Wallaby of all time, having represented his country in 110 Tests over a decade-long international career. He was just the second Australian scrumhalf after George Gregan to reach the 100-Test milestone, achieving the feat against England at Twickenham in November 2018.
Between 2011 and 2013, Genia also served as the 78th Wallabies captain, leading the side on three occasions. He featured in three Rugby World Cups, including the 2015 campaign where Australia reached the final.
At provincial level, Genia was a cornerstone of the Queensland Reds, making 115 appearances and guiding them to their historic 2011 Super Rugby title. His long-range solo try in the final against the Crusaders remains one of the competition’s iconic moments. That year, he was also named Australian Super Rugby Player of the Year, earned a nomination for the IRB Player of the Year, and cemented his reputation as one of the world’s premier scrumhalves.
Genia’s club career extended beyond Queensland, with 23 caps for the Melbourne Rebels, 21 for Stade Français, and 62 for Japan’s Kintetsu Liners, where he concluded his playing journey in June after the side’s relegation play-off exit.
His glittering career includes a Super Rugby title, a Tri-Nations crown, a Rugby Championship title, and a European Rugby Challenge Cup triumph with Stade Français. Earlier, he was part of the Australia U19 squad that lifted the 2006 World Championship.
Confirming his retirement via Instagram, Genia revealed he will stay in the game, moving into a skills coaching role at Kintetsu Liners, working alongside long-time teammate and close friend Quade Cooper.
English