No Moore, says Wallabies captain
Wallabies captain Stephen Moore has announced he will retire from international rugby at the end of the year before hanging up the boots full-time at the conclusion of next year’s Super Rugby season.
Moore made the announcement at the Wallabies training camp in Newcastle yesterday, deciding to put an end date on his test career and 12 years as Australia’s premier hooker since debut in 2005 against Samoa.
The 34-year-old will continue playing for the Queensland Reds until the end of 2018.
Moore, who has played 120 tests for the Wallabies, is one of Australian rugby’s most respected figures and guided the team to a World Cup final in 2015.
He was on a three-year deal that would have taken him through to the 2019 World Cup but yesterday’s announcement will put to bed any chance of that happening.
‘‘I’m very fortunate to have had the opportunity to represent my state and country on so many occasions,’’ Moore said.
‘‘I’ve had a long career and my time in the game is something I’ll look back on very fondly. I’ve been very lucky to have played as long as I have, and I’m incredibly grateful to the Wallabies and Australian rugby for all it’s done for me.’’
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said of Moore: ‘‘His contribution to this current team cannot be understated. What he’s achieved on the field is no mean feat but it’s his work off the field in his role as captain of Australia that has really impressed me.’’
Moore was overlooked as Australia’s starting hooker for Tatafu Polota-nau in the first two tests of the year and subsequently was replaced as Wallabies captain by Michael Hooper.
When Moore was picked to start the third test, he resumed the captaincy back.