Back-rower Lukhan Tui has announced he will not return from a break to play on the Wallabies’ spring tour of Europe.
Tui stood down after Australia’s defeat last month to Argentina in September, after losing his stepfather in the week of the game.
Tui informed the Wallabies he planned to take the rest of the year off to support his family, although Head Coach Michael Cheika said the door was always open for him to change his mind and return to the squad.
The Wallabies next play New Zealand in the third and final Bledisloe Cup match in Yokohama, Japan, and then have Tests in Wales, Italy and England.
In a social media post, Tui has confirmed he will stay in Australia to be with his number one priority – his family.
“I’ve always been & forever will be #FamilyOverEveything, hence the choices I’ve made.
“Stepping away from the game of rugby for the remainder of the year is a decision that is for my siblings and for my Mum. Rugby will always be there & at the end of the day it is only just a game.
“Because there’s honestly no atmosphere, experience, money or jersey that could ever separate me from doing what I love and that’s looking after my family,” Tui said.