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February 6, 2010

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Home » Sports » Rugby

Wallaby Smith calls it quits

Source: Agencies | February 6, 2010, Saturday | Print Edition

AUSTRALIA'S most capped forward George Smith announced his retirement from international rugby yesterday.

The 29-year-old was granted an early release from his current contract after saying he wanted to spend more time with his family after more than a decade in the national side.

"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," he said in a statement.

Australian Rugby Union Chief Executive John O'Neill said he had pleaded with Smith to play on until next year's World Cup in New Zealand.

"When he made it clear that his passion for international rugby was not the driving force it once was, we agreed there were suitable grounds for an early release," O'Neill said.

"We could have insisted he see out his contract and blocked any opportunities to play the game overseas before the next rugby World Cup. His wholehearted commitment over 10 years, however, deserves special consideration."

Smith said he would play out this year's Super 14 season for the ACT Brumbies but his decision to quit the international game is a massive blow for the Wallabies as they build towards the 2011 World Cup.

The Wallabies have struggled over the past few seasons after the retirement of several senior players, including George Gregan and Steve Larkham, and coach Robbie Deans said Smith would be sorely missed.

"You only have to look at the statistics of his career to realize what a special player George is," Deans said.

"Not only has he been a great team man, he has been a fine leader of young men as a role model, both as a player and as a captain."

Primarily an openside flanker, Smith burst onto the world stage in 2000 when he was named man of the match in his debut against France.

A year later, he was named man of the match in Australia's win over the British and Irish Lions in the deciding test of the series.

He was a member of the Wallabies team that made the 2003 World Cup final and won numerous awards, including the John Eales Medal as Australia's best player, on two occasions.

Smith captained Australia seven times and played a total of 110 tests, joining Gregan (139), Larkham (102) and David Campese (101) as the only Wallabies to make more than 100 appearances.

Smith learnt his skills playing rugby in the backyard with his older brothers. As one of eight children born and bred in Sydney's northern beaches, he discovered from a young age that he had to come up with a plan to get the ball from bigger opponents.

Now a father himself, he said the main reason behind his decision to retire was to spend more time with his own family which includes three children under the age of five.
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