Andrew Kellaway Retires After 49 Tests for the Wallabies

- The Sporting Base Andrew Kellaway Retires After 49 Tests for the Wallabies Image
Former Wallabies outside back Andrew Kellaway has announced his retirement from rugby, ending a 12-year professional career one Test short of 50 caps for Australia.

Kellaway, who played 49 Tests for the Wallabies between 2021 and 2025, announced the decision on Instagram on Sunday night, AAP reported via ESPN.

“Closing the curtain on 12 incredible years. Special people, special places and lots to remember,” Kellaway wrote. “Big thank you to everyone who supported along the way and those that played a part. It’s been real.”

Nine.com.au reported Kellaway scored 14 tries in his 49 Tests after making his debut against France in Brisbane in 2021. According to RugbyPass, he became Wallaby No. 943 that July and last played for Australia off the bench against Ireland in Dublin on 16 November 2025.

From record-breaking junior to Wallabies leader

Kellaway came through the Australian under-20 ranks and, according to Nine, scored 10 tries in five games at the 2014 under-20 world championship, breaking the record jointly held by Julian Savea and Zac Guildford. RugbyPass reported he made his Super Rugby debut for the NSW Waratahs against the Melbourne Rebels on 2 April 2016.

Read more: All Blacks Beat Wallabies 50-19, Retain Bledisloe Cup

His career also took in Counties Manukau in New Zealand, Northampton Saints in England and Green Rockets Tokatsu in Japan. He spent four years with the now-defunct Rebels before returning to the Waratahs in 2025, ESPN reported.

RugbyPass reported Kellaway was part of the Wallabies leadership group at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where Australia exited in the pool stage under Eddie Jones, and that he recently played for the Barbarians against the Springboks and Wales.

Nine reported Kellaway was not picked for the Wallabies this year after the Waratahs’ struggles in Super Rugby, and that he came off contract with the club at the end of the 2026 season. His retirement comes with Australia hosting the Rugby World Cup next year.

Read more: Wallabies Team for Bledisloe Cup Named, Ikitau Fit to Start

All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard, Wallabies winger Max Jorgensen and England’s George Furbank were among those to congratulate Kellaway on social media, RugbyPass reported, along with former Wallabies Kurtley Beale and Quade Cooper.

Kellaway had already started preparing for life after rugby. Nine reported he began working part-time for a foreign exchange company in 2024, and he told the outlet in 2025: “My career after rugby in a weird way really excites me.”

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