Wallabies star Matt Giteau retires as he signs off with a hilarious joke at his own expense
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Wallabies star Matt Giteau retires after spending half his life playing rugby at the highest level and says goodbye with a hilarious joke at his own expense.
- Australian rugby legend calls time on a decorated career at every level
- Giteau’s influence included having a rule change named after him.
- The former midfielder said goodbye with a cheeky comment about the end of his career.
Former Wallabies star Matt Giteau, whose selection to Australia in 2015 as an overseas resident player created Australian rugby’s ‘Giteau Act’, has announced his retirement from the sport after a glittering career.
The now 40-year-old made the announcement via social media, declaring that he had “squeezed this game out and the contracts dried up” having played in Australia, France, Japan and the US since his debut with the ACT Brumbies in 2001.
Giteau celebrates with former Wallaby David Campese after the 2015 Rugby World Cup Quarter Final match between Australia and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium
Giteau represented Australia 103 times, and when then-Wallabies manager Michael Cheika wanted to pick foreign players for the national team, with Giteau playing for Toulon in France, the ‘Giteau Law’ was born.
“Forever grateful to all my many coaches, staff members, referees and touch judges along the way,” Giteau wrote on Twitter.
And of course, a big thank you to my many teammates who helped me play and grow as a player and a person. So many great friendships made and some amazing memories made along the way.’
Giteau of the Wallabies runs the ball during the international test match between the Australian Wallabies and Samoa at the ANZ Stadium on July 17, 2011
Giteau celebrates with the trophy after Toulon’s victory in the European Champion Clubs’ Cup Final at Twickenham Stadium
He then said goodbye with a cheeky barb to the fact that he extended his career with stints with Suntory Sungoliath in Japan and LA Giltinis in the United States.
“It’s been an amazing experience and one I’ll miss, but I’ve milked this game and the contracts have dried up,” he joked.
The ‘Giteau Law’, as it was coined, came about in 2015 when Cheika negotiated with Rugby Australia to allow players with 60 or more appearances for the Wallabies to be selected for the national team.
At the time, no foreign-based player was allowed to play for the Wallabies.
Queen Elizabeth II looks at a wallaby mascot held by Australian rugby player Matt Giteau at a reception for the Australian Touring Rugby team at Windsor Castle in Windsor on November 10, 2008.
The change was approved and Giteau was included in the World Cup squad that reached the final, which the Wallabies lost.
Giteau finished his playing career, which included 10 years of Super Rugby, seven years in France and three in Japan, with the LA Giltinis in Major League Rugby competition in the US.
Drew Mitchell of Australia takes a break during the 2015 Rugby World Cup semi-final match between Argentina and Australia at Twickenham Stadium
Former Wallabies back Drew Mitchell joked that Giteau could soon take a job under new coach Eddie Jones.
‘Congratulations Gitty! Most of my best rugby memories were playing alongside you bro,” he posted.
“Is this the perfect time for Eddie to name you attack coach of the @wallabies?”
I loved watching you play. You have added so much to the game and we will miss you. Good luck in your future endeavors. Hopefully we will see you soon as a coach”, said an Australian fan.
‘As an English fan, I was always nervous when you were in the opposition and I admired the way you played. Congratulations on a great run and all the best for the future,’ another supporter added.
And a French fan posted: ‘So… time to go back to Toulon and share your magical skills! It was a daydream watching you play! Enjoy your new life.