Gun Wallabies hooker David Porecki retires hours after Will Skelton boost for The Rugby Championship
Joe Schmidt's final Rugby Championship campaign with the Wallabies will receive a major boost as Will Skelton prepares to play in the southern hemisphere showpiece for the first time in two years, but the coach will be down another star after hooker and former captain David Porecki announced his retirement.
Porecki was part of the Wallabies squad for the British and Irish Lions series and played his final match in the second Test at the MCG.
"To wear the Wallaby gold and Waratahs blue was a dream of mine as a boy growing up in Manly and to be able to say I did both is something I'm incredibly proud of," he said in a statement.
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"Rugby has given me so much to be thankful for and has been such a massive part of my life for so long but it feels like the right time for me to turn the page and start a new chapter.
David Porecki during an Australia training session. Getty
"There's a lot of people who have supported me in my journey, and to them I'll be forever grateful. I'm especially looking forward to spending more time with my wife Shani and kids Luca, Charlie and Billie.
"I look forward to continuing to support the game away from the field in this next stage of my life."
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Schmidt described 'Porky' as "the ultimate professional and quiet achiever".
Meanwhile, Skelton will likely be part of the Wallabies' squad for the first TRC Test against South Africa to be played next Sunday (AEST).
Skelton's inclusion in the second Lions Test made a notable difference to the Wallabies after missing the first through injury.
Will Skelton of Australia celebrates after they are awarded a penalty. Getty
Ronan O'Gara, coach of Skelton's club side La Rochelle, confirmed to The Sydney Morning Herald that it's likely the big forward will suit up.
"I think he will play the Rugby Championship," he said.
Skelton's lack of appearances in The Rugby Championship has come down to injury and eligibility.
The Giteau Law, which put a restriction on the amount of overseas-based players available for the Wallabies, has changed over time.
Initially the requirement was a minimum of 60 Tests for Australia and seven years in Super Rugby, that lowered to 30 caps and five years' service.
It then changed to a one-Test requirement and has now become completely redundant. Schmidt has made an effort to pick Australian-based players during his tenure.
Skelton has played 34 Tests for Australia. La Rochelle didn't make the Top 14 playoffs this season, meaning Skelton doesn't have to return straight away.
The Wallabies play the Springboks in South Africa on August 17 and 24.
Tests against Argentina and New Zealand will follow.
