David Porecki Retires: Wallabies Star Hangs Up Boots

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 ends his career 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. He spent 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-piece 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 ruled Porecki out for the entire 2024 season, but he fought to return to the international stage and start for the Wallabies in their first test match of this year against Fiji. His 21st and last appearance in the gold jersey of the Wallabies was against the Lions in Melbourne, a heel injury during training forced him to miss the final of the series last Saturday night.

“Wearing the gold jersey of the Wallabies and the blue of the Waratahs was a childhood dream that grew up in Manly and being able to say that I did both is something I am incredibly proud of,” Porecki said in a statement from the Waratahs.

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.” Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt paid tribute to the departing hooker.

“Porky is the ultimate professional and a silent achiever,” he said.

Joe Schmidt

“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.” The Waratahs coach, Dan McKellar, said:

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

Dan McKellar

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