Sydney, Australia – November 2, 2023 – Veteran Australian rugby hooker David ‘Porky’ Heiden has announced his immediate retirement from professional rugby, bringing an end to a distinguished 12-year career. The 35-year-old, who last played for the NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby Pacific, made the announcement today, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.
Heiden expressed gratitude for the support he’s received throughout his career, specifically mentioning his wife Shani and their three children, Luca, Charlie, and Billie. He also indicated his intention to remain involved with the sport in a capacity away from the playing field.
“Ther’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,” Heiden stated. “I look forward to continuing to support the game away from the field in this next stage of my life.”
Born in Brisbane, Queensland, on February 22, 1988, Heiden began his professional career with the Queensland Reds in 2012. he amassed 88 Super Rugby caps across his time with the Reds (2012-2020) and the Waratahs (2021-2023). Heiden also earned 36 test caps for the Wallabies, debuting against Scotland in Edinburgh on November 9, 2013.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt lauded Heiden’s professionalism and understated leadership.”Porky is the ultimate professional and quiet achiever.He doesn’t say a lot, preferring to get on with the job and to lead by example, and he’s done that really well for the time that I’ve known him,” Schmidt said. “On behalf of everyone within the team we wish him and his family all the best in this next stage of their lives.”
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar highlighted Heiden’s resilience and character. “It’s a sad day when any player retires.I have worked closely with ‘porky’ for a number of years and have huge respect for him, with what he brings on field with his qualities at set piece, physicality, and toughness,” McKellar commented. “He’s never been the biggest hooker going around. He’s always played well above his weight.”
McKellar further emphasized Heiden’s personal qualities. “Off field, he’s a true family man and genuinely good bloke. He’ll be sadly missed throughout the walls of the Waratahs. But like all Waratahs players, he’ll always be welcome in this building and within this group. But I fully understand and respect his decision. With any footballer, a time comes where it’s ‘I’m ready to move on to the next chapter.’ David is obviously agreeable with that and ready to take that next step in life.We just wish him all the best.”
Heiden’s retirement leaves a void in the Waratahs’ front row and the Wallabies’ depth at hooker, particularly as Australia prepares for the 2024 international season and looks towards the 2027 Rugby World cup in australia.