Wallabies captain Stephen Moore announced his retirement Thursday from international rugby at the end of this year, but he will play one more season for the Queensland Reds.
The veteran hooker, who has played for Australia 120 times, is the tenth most-capped international of all-time and second only to George Gregan (139) as the most-capped Australian.
Moore, 34, will play for the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship, kicking off next month, before ending his international career after Australia’s European tour in November.
“I’ve been very lucky to have played as long as I have, and I’m incredibly grateful to the Wallabies and Australian Rugby for all it’s done for me,” Moore said.
“There’s still plenty of footy to go this year but I know the Wallabies will be left in very strong hands if we continue to work hard and stay grounded.
“As of the next Test I will be handing over the captaincy, and will spend the next four months supporting the new leadership team in any way possible.”
Moore, who is also the second-most capped Super Rugby player of all time, made his Test debut against Samoa in June 2005 and has played in three World Cups for Australia.
He was named Wallabies captain in June 2014.
“Stephen still has a big role to play within the team,” Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said.
“This isn’t a farewell right now, he’s fully committed to getting the (Wallabies) gold jersey back to the top this year.
“His contribution to this current team cannot be understated. What he’s achieved on the field is no mean feat but it’s his work off the field in his role as captain of Australia that has really impressed me.
“We now have to make sure we send him off in the best way possible this year,” Cheika added.
Moore said he intended to play the 2018 season with the Reds after rejoining them this year from Super Rugby rivals ACT Brumbies.
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