Wallabies and NSW Waratahs hooker David Porecki has announced his retirement effective immediately.
The 32-year-old, played his 21st and final Test in the second game of the series against the British and Irish Lions. He was named for the third game but was ruled out late due to a cut heel.
Porecki was a late bloomer in the national team, having spent five seasons in the UK with Saracens and London Irish (2015-2020), after playing just the one Super Rugby match for NSW in 2015.
He returned to Australian rRugby and the Waratahs ahead of the 2021 Super Rugby season, and his Wallabies debut came a year later in a memorable win against England in Perth where he became Wallaby number 952.
He was named as Australia’s 88th Test captain by Eddie Jones after an injury to Will Skelton in France, and led the team in three of their four matches.
He missed 2024 through injury but was restored for the opening Test of the year against Fiji.
“To wear the Wallaby gold and Waratahs blue was a dream of mine as a boy growing up in Manly and to be able to say I did both is something I’m incredibly proud of,” said Porecki.
David Porecki of Australia walks down the players tunnel at half-time during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Wales and Australia at Parc Olympique on September 24, 2023 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Adam Pretty – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
“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 and start a new chapter.
“There’s a lot of people who have supported me in my journey, and to them I’ll be forever grateful. I’m especially looking forward to spending more time with my wife Shani and kids Luca, Charlie and Billie.
“I look forward to continuing to support the game away from the field in this next stage of my life.”
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “Porky is the ultimate professional and quiet achiever. He doesn’t say a lot, preferring to get on with the job and to lead by example, and he’s done that really well for the time that I’ve known him.
“On behalf of everyone within the team we wish him and his family all the best in this next stage of their lives.”
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar added: “It’s a sad day when any when any player retires.
“I have worked closely with ‘Porky’ for a number of years and have huge respect for him, with what he brings on field with his qualities at set piece, physicality, and toughness.
“He’s never been the biggest hooker going around. He’s always played well above his weight.
“Off field, he’s a true family man and genuinely good bloke. He’ll be sadly missed throughout the walls of the Waratahs.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – MAY 31: Dave Porecki of the Waratahs looks on after losing the the round 16 Super Rugby Pacific match between Blues and NSW Waratahs at Eden Park, on May 31, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
“But like all Waratahs players, he’ll always be welcome in this building and then within this group. But I fully understand and respect his decision.
“With any footballer, a time comes where it’s ‘I’m ready to move on to the next chapter.’
“David is obviously comfortable with that and ready to take that next step in life. We just wish him all the best.”
