David Porecki Retires: End of the Wallabies Hooker’s Career

David Porecki Hangs Up His Boots: End of a Professional Career

Wallabies hooker David Porecki has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect. The 32-year-old, Sydney-born player is ending his sporting career just days after being a late withdrawal from Australia’s 22-12 victory over the British and Irish Lions in the third Test held at Accor Stadium. Porecki had an unconventional career in professional rugby, spending five seasons in the UK with the Saracens and London Irish after playing only one Super Rugby match for the NSW Waratahs in 2015. He returned to Australia and the Waratahs before the 2021 season, but his debut for the Wallabies came a year later in a memorable victory against England in Perth. Known for his precision in set plays and his tireless work rate, Porecki was included in the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad and became the 88th captain of the Wallabies after Will Skelton was injured, leading the team in three of their four group stage matches in France.

An injury sidelined Porecki for the entire 2024 season, but he fought to return to the international scene to start for the Wallabies in their first Test of the year against Fiji. His 21st and final appearance in the gold jersey for the Wallabies was against the Lions in Melbourne, a heel injury sustained in training forced him to miss the final match of the series last Saturday night.

Wearing the gold jersey of the Wallabies and the blue of the Waratahs was a childhood dream, and being able to say that I did both is something I am incredibly proud of.

David Porecki

“Rugby has given me so much to be grateful for and has been a very important part of my life for a long time, but I feel it’s the right time to turn the page and start a new chapter,” Porecki declared in a statement from the Waratahs. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt paid tribute to the departing player.

Porky is the ultimate professional and a silent achiever. He doesn’t say much, prefers to get on with the job and lead by example, and he has done very well during the time I have known him.

Joe Schmidt

Waratahs coach Dan McKellar also offered his condolences.

It’s a sad day when any player retires. I have worked closely with Porky for several years and have great respect for what he brings to the field with his qualities in set plays, his physique and his toughness.

Dan McKellar

“He’s never been the biggest hooker. He’s always played well above his weight. Off the field, he’s a real family man and a genuinely good guy. He’ll be sorely missed within the Waratahs walls.”