Wallaby calls it quits
5 Feb 2010
George Smith has announced his retirement from international rugby.
The 110-Test veteran will be released from his ARU and Brumbies contract at the end of the Super 14, and plans to take up a contract with an overseas club.
‘The decision to retire from Test rugby has been a very difficult one for me and one that I have made after much consideration and soul searching in recent months,’ said Smith. ‘Although I believe that I could play competitive rugby at the highest level and contribute to the Wallabies for many years to come I know in my heart that this is the right time to step aside.
‘It is largely a decision about the most important people in my life: my family. As many of you would be aware I have a young family with three children under five and I feel that my wife Louise and my family have made a great many sacrifices to allow me to pursue my rugby career over the years.
‘I believe that now is the time for me to give back to my family, to be able to spend more quality time with my wife and young children. It has become increasingly difficult for me to spend large periods of time away from home and my family and this is something that I would like to change.
‘I would also like the opportunity to experience a different environment and culture together as a family unit whilst still playing competitive rugby. I personally feel that I owe this opportunity to my family.’
55 Comments
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5 Feb 2010, 14:12 pm
@ Ratel Brussow (MSIUR)
You do not even know what he has been offered and by whom so stop sucking facts from god knows where.
Or are you again arrogantly saying only pale-faces can trade their ‘skills’ at a price?
Don’t bother to reply.
5 Feb 2010, 14:20 pm
@elliott2:
i am a bit worried about you.
you seem to have deep seated issues concerning your fellow citizens.
these tend to develop in awful illnesses later in life
5 Feb 2010, 16:18 pm
Another Legend from a very specific time in rugby steps down. And let’s not kid each other. This man IS a legend. 110 Tests, an ever-present menace on defence, attack and most notably: the breakdown. Cheers George.
6 Feb 2010, 03:00 am
Marvellous, marvellous player. I hated this guy when he played against the All Blacks, but that was only because he was so good. Hard as nails, has all the skills required for his position but also possessed many of the skills of a backline player. Very highly regarded here in New Zealand. All the best George. Thank you for the pleasure that you’ve given rugby fans for the past 10 years. I hope you get paid megabucks in your next contract…
6 Feb 2010, 09:57 am
A fantastic player. When he came onto the scene as a youngster he was unbelievably good and he stayed close to that for most of his career.
You pi$$ed me off plenty as an opposition player George, but that’s because you are that good!
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