Former Wallaby playmaker Matt Giteau has confirmed his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.
He last played, for the now defunct, LA Giltinis of Major League Rugby (MLR). His regular playing positions are inside centre, halfback and fly-half.
Giteau played as a utility back. His usual positions were inside centre and fly-half, although he started his career as a scrum-half.
He wrote on social media: “Just wanted to announce my retirement from professional rugby union. Half my life spent playing this great game professionally and traveling the world getting to do it.
“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 teammates that helped me play and grow as a player and a person.
“So many great friendships made & some unbelievable memories created along the way. Special mention to my wife and kids who sacrifice so much for me to prepare and play for so long.
“Moving countries, schools, and way from friends so that | 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 & one that | will miss but | have milked this game and the contracts dry & Thank you,”
He played for the Wallabies for the first time in 2002 against England at Twickenham and was a nominee for the International Rugby Board Player of the Year in 2004.
He has appeared in 104 Super Rugby matches. During his career he has won 103 test caps for Australia.
Giteau was re-selected to the national team after several years’ absence under a rule known as Giteau’s law.
MATT GITEAU’S TOUGHEST OPPONENTS:
- #4. Bryan Habana (South Africa)
- #3. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
- #2. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
- #1. Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
The 5 Best Rugby Centres Of All Time, Ranked
Here we pick our top five best rugby centres of all time. We’ve used a number of stats to quantify our rankings, as well as a player’s overall contribution to the game. So who makes it into our top five?
All stats come from ESPN.com and are correct as of the publish date.
Honourable mentions: Will Greenwood (England), Scott Gibbs (Wales), Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand), Danie Gerber (South Africa), Frank Bunce (New Zealand), Yannick Jauzion (France)
BEST RUGBY CENTRES:
#5 Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Known initially more for his braided hair and eyeliner, he added passing and kicking to his raw line-breaking power to become one of the great centres, capping his Test career with that superb World Cup final try in 2015.
Did you know? Nonu became a vegetarian while playing in France for Toulon, citing his son Michael as his motivation
