David Porecki has announced his immediate retirement from professional rugby following a heel injury that forced him out of Australia’s third test against the British and Irish Lions. Rugby Australia confirmed the news on Tuesday, marking the end of a distinguished career for the 32-year-old hooker.
Porecki spent five seasons in the UK playing for Saracens and London Irish from 2015 before returning to Australia to join the New South Wales Waratahs in 2021. He made his test debut for the Wallabies in 2022 against England and went on to earn 21 caps.
A standout leader, Porecki captained Australia in three of their four matches at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, stepping up after Will Skelton’s injury. Despite his efforts, the Wallabies endured a historic early exit in the group stage, prompting changes in coaching and leadership.
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After missing the start of 2024 due to injury, Porecki returned to the national squad last month and featured in the opening test of the 2025 season against Fiji. His final appearance came at the MCG on July 26, when Australia fell to the Lions in a controversial finish.
Live EventsIn a statement, Porecki expressed gratitude for his rugby journey, saying, “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.”
“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,” Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said.