George Smith retiring from internationals

decepti0n · February 5th, 2010, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Australia's most capped Test forward George Smith says he's retiring from international rugby to spend more time with his family.

The flanker, who represented the Wallabies 110 times at Test level, announced on Friday he was drawing the curtain on one of Australian rugby's most successful careers.

Link

What struck me was that he's only 29 o.O Feels like a young age for a top player to retire on, but it's obviously his choice.

opfazonk · February 5th, 2010, 07:39 PM

is he really just 29? feels like he's already been playing for decades...

Greiffel · February 7th, 2010, 12:20 PM

That's my age, and I'm still planning my big comeback! :P

4Lc4TR4Z · February 7th, 2010, 01:07 PM

Think you could take his place for next RWC if he was not on Australian team.

Peej · February 7th, 2010, 11:43 PM

I'm sure he's retiring so that he can go abroad, probably to Europe, for some big money. Also, he probably sees that Pocock is the man in posession of the shirt, and with 100+ caps, why play second fiddle?

StarCentre · February 8th, 2010, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peej

I'm sure he's retiring so that he can go abroad, probably to Europe, for some big money. Also, he probably sees that Pocock is the man in posession of the shirt, and with 100+ caps, why play second fiddle?

Totally agree with you. I was very impressed with Pocock during the Autumn internationals. He stole a huge amount of ball. On a side note (I think it was during the Welsh match) Pocock dislocated his fingers and instead of waiting to get seen by the medical team there is footage of him attempting to relocate them himself! now that's a real rugby player

It says something about his commitment to the game and keeping the jersey.
Found a video of it. It would be good for a compilation:http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/wales/8385070.stm

durrie · February 20th, 2010, 01:26 AM

I reckon you've hit the nail on the head here...th money will be thrown at him in the Top14 and or the Guiness Premiership teams.

Pockock is a great up and comming tallent he is a big boy too and as you say why play second fiddle when you already have 100+ caps.

George has had a fantastic career and I for one have thoroughly enjoyed watching him pilfer balls from nowhere and emerge from the bottom of rucks like a phoenix rising from the ashes...