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, born and raised in Sydney, is ending his career just days after being a late withdrawal from Australia’s 22-12 victory over the British and Irish Lions at Accor Stadium. Porecki had an unconventional career in professional rugby. After playing only one Super Rugby match for the NSW Waratahs in 2015, he spent five seasons in the UK with the Saracens and London Irish. He returned to Australia and the Waratahs before the 2021 season, but his debut with 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 following Will Skelton’s injury, leading the team in three of their four group stage matches in France.
“Putting on 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,” Porecki stated in a Waratahs statement.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt paid tribute to the departing player.“Rugby has given me so much to be grateful for and has been a very important part of my life for so long, but I think it’s the right time to turn the page and start a new chapter.”
“He doesn’t say much, he prefers to dedicate himself to his work and lead by example, and he has done very well during the time I’ve known him,” said Waratahs coach Dan McKellar. “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,” said McKellar. “He’s never been the biggest hooker there’s been. He’s always played above his weight. Off the field, he’s a real family man and a genuinely good guy. We’ll miss him a lot around the Waratahs.”“Porky is the ultimate professional and a silent achiever,” he said.
