18 Jun 2012

Mortlock to hang up boots at end of Super Rugby season

1:06 pm on 18 June 2012

The former Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock admits he'll head into retirement unsatisfied despite 15 years of top class rugby.

The 35-year-old will play one last game in Australia - against Queensland at AAMI Park at the end of the month - and then two in South Africa to finish the Super Rugby season before hanging up his boots for good.

Mortlock, who had one year to go on his three-year deal with the fledgling Rebels, will move into a coaching/ambassador role next season.

At his peak, Mortlock, was one of the best centres in world rugby but he's battled calf muscle injuries this season and only had his first start in round 12.

With the body unable to match the mind, his illustrious career will end on 80 tests since making his debut in 2000, amassing 489 points.

Mortlock remains the highest-scoring Australian player in Super Rugby history, the only to rack up more than 1000 points.