Berrick Barnes retires after 15 years in professional rugby

Former Wallabies utility Berrick Barnes is retiring from rugby after 15 years in professional rugby.

Barnes began playing rugby league with the Brisbane Broncos in 2005 before signing with the Reds in 2006.

The Queenslander made a controversial move to the Waratahs in 2010 before finishing his Super Rugby career in 2013.

Rugby.com.au reports Barnes made his Wallabies debut in 2007, playing 51 Tests in a career that was at times marred by injuries.

The utility back moved to Japan in 2014 and has played out his career with Panasonic and the Ricoh Black Rams.

Barnes enjoyed success in his time in Japan, claiming a string of titles with the Wild Knights under former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans and claiming two Top League MVPs.

The 33-year-old made a brief return to Australia in 2017, featuring in the Brisbane Tens for the Wild Knights, and also played in Perth against the Western Force last year.

In a statement on the Black Rams website on Friday, Barnes said he had to retire because his body was no longer up to the task of professional rugby.

[Source:Rugby.com.au]