Wallabies hooker Stephen Moore will retire from all forms of the game after Saturday’s match against Scotland at Murrayfield.

The 34-year-old has decided not to play one final season with the Reds in Super Rugby.

Moore is the second-most capped Wallabies player of all time (128) and the second-most capped Super Rugby player of all time (177).

‘I’d started planning for life after rugby since announcing my retirement from the international game back in July this year and the opportunity that I was exploring materialised probably six months earlier than I had expected,’ Moore said.

‘So I have made the decision, in conjunction with the QRU, to finish my rugby career now and take up a new opportunity. This also allows Brad [Thorn] and the Reds coaches to move forward with their planning for 2018 and beyond.

‘Someone once said to me that ideally you want something to retire to, and not from, and I think those are really wise words.

‘The time feels right to finish my rugby career and I’m looking forward to watching the Reds develop under Brad’s guidance. He has shown over many years that he knows what it takes to be the best in the world. I have also been very grateful to have worked alongside Michael Cheika and proud of how Michael Hooper has embraced his role as Wallaby captain and everything that goes with that.

‘I couldn’t have done it without all of my teammates, coaches and staff across the years at both Super Rugby and International level though, so I want to thank each of them. I have been very fortunate to have played with and against some of the world’s great players over my career at the Reds, Brumbies and Wallabies.

‘I would also like to thank all of the fans that have supported both myself and the team over the years. Many of you I have never met, but you are the reason why playing for your state and country is so special.’

Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images