Will Genia to return to Papua New Guinea after Kintetsu Liners departure

Wallabies legend Will Genia will return to his native Papua New Guinea when he leaves Japanese second division side Kintetsu Liners in June.

The former Queensland Reds scrum-half, 38, hung up his boots a year ago after playing six seasons alongside his former Australia half-back partner Quade Cooper for the Osaka-based Liners.

Genia hails from the coastal village and rugby hotbed of Lalaura which is located in the Aroma Rural LLG of the Abau District, Central Province and is approximately 220 kilometres from Port Moresby, the country’s capital city.

The 2015 Rugby Championship winner, who rolled back the years to score 11 tries in 15 games in his final season in 2024-2025, transitioned into a coaching role last summer and worked alongside Cooper, ex-Toshiba Brave Lupus defence coach Tai Lavea and former Māori All Blacks head coach Ross Filipo this season.

© Kintetsu Liners

Genia helped steer the Manie Libbok-inspired Hanazono outfit to a third-placed finish as they were pipped to a promotion play-off spot on the last day by surprise package Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks.

Genia told RugbyJP.com: “I’ve absolutely loved my time in Japan.”

After seven years in Osaka, Genia feels the time is right to move back to his homeland and is keen to explore further coaching opportunities in the future.

“I’ve really enjoyed coaching,” said the 2011 Super Rugby and Tri-Nations winner.

Genia actually played for his hometown side Valley Hunters in a trial match (below) during a League One off-week in March and plans to continue helping to nurture his country’s next generation of talent.

Genia in action for his hometown club in PNG in March

“I will definitely help out my club back home when I’m there," added the 110-cap veteran.

Genia is an ambassador for the Valley Hunters club, who play in the Capital Rugby Union competition, and are coached by his older brother Frank.

“Will recently featured for us in a trial match as part of his ongoing support for grassroots rugby in PNG,” a club spokesman told RugbyJP.

“During his breaks between coaching commitments in Japan, Will spent time in PNG supporting the club. Together with his brother Frank, they’ve played a key role in the club’s rise from wooden spooners to back-to-back premiers in 2024 and 2025.

“Off the field, Will also supports the club in an ambassador role, especially through initiatives that use rugby to give back to the community. One of those is our ‘Heart of Rugby’ program, where we help raise funds for Operation Open Heart Foundation PNG and the work they do supporting children in need of life-saving heart surgery. "He was part of that last year alongside Matt Giteau and Henry Speight, helping drive both the fundraising and partnership.”