Wallabies legend Will Genia announces his retirement

Wallabies legend and former Hanazono Kintetsu Liners star Will Genia has announced his retirement at the age of 37.

Genia and his long-time ex-half-back partner Quade Cooper rejoined division two side Kintetsu Liners as coaches in July after six seasons playing for the Osaka-based club.

Papua New Guinea-born Genia, who has been installed as a skills coach, announced his retirement on Wednesday on Instagram.

“From walking in to Ballymore at the end of 2006 as a kid, to travelling the world chasing a ball, it has been more than I ever thought it would be, so much so that it feels like a dream is all it should be,” said the 2015 Rugby Championship winner and World Cup runner-up. “Moments in time, experiences shared, lessons learned and memories to last forever. “Thank you to my people. It was only possible because of you. You know. Thank you rugby for all the joy. It was always the game and then everything else.” 

Picture courtesy of JRLO

The former Rebels and Stade Francais scrum-half was in scintillating form last season for the Liners, scoring 11 tries in 15 games, as the promotion hopefuls narrowly lost out to division one side Honda Heat in the two-leg promotion-relegation play-off.

Due to the Liners’ poor start to the 2024-2025 season - following their relegation from the top-flight – the Liners’ executive committee decided to overhaul their squad and coaching team this summer.

Genia, who RugbyJP understands was keen to continue playing, and Quade Cooper will make their coaching bow against Richie Mo’unga’s back-to-back League One champions Toshiba Brave Lupus on Saturday 18 October in Fuchu, Tokyo.

The 2011 Super Rugby and Tri-Nations winner, who won 110 caps for Australia, has received hundreds of replies to his announcement including from ex-teammates, rivals and legends of the game.  

Kintetsu’s new attack coach Cooper posted: “What a ride my brother. Who would have guessed way back then. It’s funny because we always seemed to find each other through changes in coaches (who I mostly clashed with) to countries, teams and now the other side. It’s been a pleasure and grateful to have done it with you.”

Fellow former Wallabies teammate and Urayasu D-Rocks centre Samu Kerevi said: “Thank you seki. Wouldn’t be where I am without the role you played. You already know how it is love you Sanchi.”

Former England and Shokki Shuttles fly-half Freddie Burns said: “Pleasure to have shared the field with you mate. One of the best on and off the field! All the best with coaching.”

Ex-Australia scrum-half and current NEC Green Rockets captain Nick Phipps said: “The GOAT. Congrats my man. Such a well deserved career. Always loved working together. One of the good guys."

Picture courtesy of Kintetsu Liners

Following their trip to Toshiba, the Liners will continue their pre-season schedule with a home game against division three side Chugoku Electric Power Red Legions on Saturday 8 November before hosting TJ Perenara’s Black Rams Tokyo seven days later.

Stay tuned to RugbyJP.com for pre-season coverage.