Wallabies veteran George Smith has announced his retirement from international rugby and will be released from his ARU and Brumbies contract at the end of the 2010 Super 14 season.
The 110-Test veteran - one of only four Australians to have reached the 100-Test milestone - said that after 10 seasons in the Australian jumper he wanted to explore other options, including a possible stint overseas.
"Throughout these 10 years I have always held a deep respect and honour for the Wallabies jersey and for what it means to be a Wallaby. I have considered it a privilege to wear the gold jersey in representation of my family, my friends, my fellow players, past Wallabies and of course my country," the 29-year-old said on Friday.
"The decision to retire from Test rugby has been a very difficult one for me and one that I have made after much consideration and soul searching in recent months."
"Although I believe that I could play competitive rugby at the highest level and contribute to the Wallabies for many years to come I know in my heart that this is the right time to step aside."
Smith, who made his Test debut with a man-of-the-match performance against France in Paris in 2000, requested an early release from his contract, which was to expire after the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
"In recent times I believe that the Wallabies have created the right balance between providing opportunity for the outstanding young talent that is within Australian rugby and also having the knowledge and experience in senior players to bring out their very best," he said.
"Under Robbie Deans the Wallabies' player group has committed itself and worked incredibly hard and I believe that the fruits of this hard work will be seen in the months and years ahead, most importantly at the 2011 World Cup."
"With Robbie, Rocky (Elsom) and the current player group I believe that the Wallabies brand and culture is in the best of hands."
Smith said the time was right to move on and wanted to spend more time with his family.
"I have a young family with three children under five and I feel that my wife Louise and my family have made a great many sacrifices to allow me to pursue my rugby career over the years," Smith said.
"I believe that now is the time for me to give back to my family, to be able to spend more quality time with my wife and young children. It has become increasingly difficult for me to spend large periods of time away from home and my family and this is something that I would like to change."
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans praised Smith's leadership qualities.
"You only have to look at the statistics of his career to realise what a special player George is, and to appreciate the enormity of his contribution to Australian rugby," he said.
"Not only has he been a great team man, he has been a fine leader of young men as a role model - both as a player and as a captain. Consistency, both in terms of his availability and the level of his performance, has been his hallmark."
Added ARU CEO John O'Neill: "George has made an enormous contribution to Australian Rugby for more than a decade."
"His list of achievements in the game, both with