Former Wallaby Matt Giteau has called time on his legendary career.
Giteau made the announcement on Friday via social media, officially bringing an end to a career that spanned over two decades after last featuring in the MLR for the Gilitins.
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“Just wanted to announce my retirement from professional Rugby Union, half my life spent playing this great game professionally and travelling the world getting to do it,” Giteau said.
“Forever grateful to all my many coaches, staff members, referees and touch judges along the way and of course a big thank you to my many team-mates that helped me play and grow as a player and a person."
Giteau is arguably one of the most influential players in Australian Rugby in the 21st century.
He became the first player in the professional era to make his Test debut for Australia before he had played provincial rugby when Eddie Jones picked him as a bright-faced teenager in 2002.
The Sevens and U20 standout made his Test debut just 48 days after his 20th birthday, replacing Dan Herbert in their 32-31 loss against England at Twickenham.
Across his 103 caps, Giteau defined himself as one of Test rugby's most dangerous, daring, versatile and durable players.
He often switched between the centres and flyhalf, however, spent a decent shift at scrumhalf across his career, featuring at three World Cups.
Giteau made his name at Super Rugby level with the ACT Brumbies, winning two Super Rugby premierships, whilst his two seasons with the Western Force are some of the club's more successful under the combined format.
His legacy will continue well beyond his time after his decision to leave Australian Rugby in 2011 forced an eventual re-think of the eligibility laws.
Ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Rugby Australia changed its contract restrictions for overseas players in what would come to be known as the ‘Giteau Law’.
The rule change made Giteau along with Toulon teammate Drew Mitchell eligible for national selection and he returned to guide the Wallabies to the World Cup Final, cut dramatically short by a head knock in the opening minutes.
Giteau would close out his International career a year later against New Zealand, playing 103 Tests (6th all-time for Australia as of end-2017), and scoring 698 points (3rd all-time for Australia as of end-2017).
He concluded his career in Japan and the USA, guiding the Giltinis to the Major League Rugby title in 2021 under now Waratahs boss Darren Coleman.
Giteau finished his career with seven elite trophies in Australia (Brumbies), France (Toulon) and Japan (Suntory), taking the time to thank his family for their support with no plans for another Elton John-like comeback in the works.
"Special mention to my wife and kids who sacrifice so much for me to prepare and play for so long," he explained.
"Moving countries, schools, and away from friends so that I could continue to play & chase my dreams. Huge thanks to my parents also, who have travelled the world to support me and the sacrifices they made for me to actually make a career out of this sport. Also my brothers & sister who rode the ups and downs of my career as much as anyone.
“It’s been such an amazing experience and one that I will miss but I have milked this game and the contract dry (laughs). Thank you.”
