Wayne Ruediger announces retirement
South Australia’s former world champion Wayne Ruediger has called time on his illustrious decade-long international career.
Ruediger, 46, from Grange Bowling Club, notched up 211 international appearances for the Right At Home Australian Jackaroos since making his debut in 2012 as the 136th men’s representative.
Ruediger cited family reasons as the main motivating factor for signalling the end of his decorated international career, with his decision allowing him to spend more time with his wife Nikki and three children, Jack (16), Molly (14) and Max (10).
“There’s a few reasons that have contributed to this decision, but ultimately the commitment required from a time and effort perceptive is the main factor; I’d like to be able to spend more time with my wife and kids,” Ruediger said.
“I’ve played at this level for 10 years and it’s fair to say that it can be a bit taxing after a while, and the nature of the event calendar is quite hectic, particularly leading up Commonwealth Games and World Bowls Championships.
“Going away to the UK for two-and-a-half weeks to trial for the Commonwealth Games team really put things into perspective – my kids are all sporty and I want to be there to support them and run them around to all their trainings and games.
“I still love bowls; I’m just taking a little bit of a step back and cutting the international commitments, so I have more time for my family.”
A World Bowls Championships gold medal in the men’s fours, and silver in the triples, on Adelaide home soil in 2012 unquestionably ranks as one of Ruediger’s proudest bowling achievements.
Ruediger plans to continue to represent South Australia at a state level and remain a regular feature on the national stage at the sport’s marquee events, including as an invaluable member of the Adelaide Pioneers’ Bowls Premier League team.
Bowls Australia’s Board and staff acknowledges and thanks Wayne Ruediger for his decade-long international service.
Wayne Ruediger
DOB: 15/8/1976
Club: Grange
State: South Australia
Cap. Number: 136
International appearances: 211
Australian debut: 2012
International playing achievements:
• 2019 Multi-Nations – Overall Team/Overall Men’s Champions
• 2019 Multi-Nations – Gold – Fours
• 2019 Multi-Nations – Bronze – Triples
• 2017 Gold Coast Multi-Nations – Gold – Triples
• Seven-time Trans Tasman champion
• 2016 Six Nations International – Silver – Fours
• 2015 Asia Pacific Championships – Silver – Fours
• 2015 Asia Pacific Championships- Bronze – Triples
• 2014 Commonwealth Games – Bronze – Fours
• 2012 World Championships – Gold – Fours
• 2012 World Championships – Silver – Triples
• 2012 SA International Series – Gold – Triples
• 2012 SA International Series – Overall Team Champion
