Porecki Bids Farewell to Rugby After Resilient Career
Rugby news: Australia’s Dave Porecki to retire officially from the sport at age 32, marking the end of a resilient and inspiring career. Porecki recently made a return to Test rugby after a two-year absence, earning a spot under new coach Joe Schmidt and taking the field against Fiji. Unfortunately, his comeback was short-lived as a concussion in that match sidelined him for the opening British & Irish Lions Test in Brisbane.
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Comeback Interrupted by Injuries
Though he managed to recover and return for the second Test in Melbourne, a training ground injury a cut on his heel kept him from playing in the final Test in Sydney. Despite these setbacks, Porecki ends his career with 21 Test caps and a deep sense of gratitude for all rugby has brought him. He acknowledged it’s the right moment to move on, saying, “Rugby has given me so much to be thankful for and has been such a massive part of my life for so long but it feels like the right time for me to turn the page.”
Gratitude and Family First
In his heartfelt farewell statement, Porecki extended thanks to those who supported his journey and shared that he’s looking forward to spending more quality time with his wife, Shani, and their three children Luca, Charlie, and Billie. While stepping away from the pitch, he expressed his intent to stay involved with the sport in other ways.
Leadership and Quiet Strength
Porecki played a crucial role in Australia’s 2023 World Cup campaign and even stepped up as the 88th captain of the Wallabies, leading the team in three out of four pool matches due to Will Skelton’s injury. Coach Joe Schmidt praised him as a “quiet achiever” and “the ultimate professional” who led by example more than words—a rare and valuable quality in any team.
