EDINBURGH – Australia veteran Stephen Moore is to retire from all competitive rugby following the Wallabies’ tour finale against Scotland this weekend, the Queensland hooker announced on Tuesday.
A former Australian captain, Moore had already indicated he would call time on his Test career after Saturday’s match against the Scots at Murrayfield.
But rather than play one final season of Super Rugby with the Reds, the 34-year-old front row has decided to hang up his boots completely.
“I’d started planning for life after rugby since announcing my retirement from the international game back in July this year, and the opportunity that I was exploring materialised probably six months earlier than I had expected,” said Moore, whose 128 Test appearances make him Australia’s second-most capped player behind retired scrumhalf George Gregan (139).
Moore, who also said he hoped his decision would make it easier for Reds coach Brad Thorn to plan for the 2018 southern hemisphere season, added: “Someone once said to me that ideally you want something to retire to, and not from, and I think those are really wise words.
“The time feels right to finish my rugby career and I’m looking forward to watching the Reds develop under Brad’s guidance.
“He has shown over many years that he knows what it takes to be the best in the world. I have also been very grateful to have worked alongside (Australia coach) Michael Cheika, and proud of how Michael Hooper has embraced his role as Wallaby captain and everything that goes with that.”
Moore, who came off the bench for Tatafu Polota-Nau during last week’s 30-6 defeat by England, made his Test debut against Samoa 12 years ago.
He was also Australia’s captain when they lost the 2015 World Cup final to New Zealand at Twickenham.
At club level, Moore is the second most-capped Super Rugby player in history (177), behind New Zealander Wyatt Crockett.