Wallabies enforcer Rob Valetini has expressed his pride as he prepares for his 50th Test against Wales on Monday (AEDT).
For Valetini, the goal of just reaching one cap was what spurred the Melbourne born backrower as he was one of the first players from Victoria signed straight out of school by a Super Rugby club.
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The backrower caught the eye as a 17-year-old playing for the Rebels U20s in 2016, with Valetini shining for the Vikings in the NRC before a breakout season for the Brumbies in 2019 earned a Wallabies call-up in 2019 against Samoa.
Valetini, brought in as extra cover before the World Cup squad headed to Japan, has been a regular in the Wallabies since, winning back-to-back John Eales Medals in 2023 and 2024 and likely the only player to claim both medals at awards ceremonies in the same year.
In doing so, the 26-year-old is established as one of the best backrowers in World Rugby yet carries himself with the humility of that young teenager looking to break his way into the sport.
“It hasn’t (sunk in yet), it’s a lot of games to play at this level,” he told reporters.
“I’ve always dreamt of just playing one so to notch up 50 would be a great milestone and something that my family and I will be proud of.”
Valetini’s sudden rise to 50 reflects his incredible longevity for a back row playing close to 80 minutes every match.
The Brumbies star has played 47 of the Wallabies' last 50 Tests, close to 30 of which he’s gone the full distance.
He produces a similar workload for the Brumbies, subbed off just five times in the last two seasons. Often, these were in situations where the ACT side either had a big lead or was focused on freshening up Valetini for a finals game.
“I think probably my thing is just getting away from rugby whenever you can along with recovery,” he notes on his longevity.
“I think in towns like (Cardiff) where you don't really visit, it's about getting out and away from rugby and refreshing a lot because I think if you're too much on rugby, it can get a lot.
“Also having people behind the scenes like our physios and doctors, they help us to get in and out of training every day along with picking up stuff from senior boys on what they do week in, week out to see what works for you.”
Valetini brings up the half-century in Cardiff, with their 2022 epic with Wales at Principality the only Test he’s missed during the last four years alongside the shock Italy defeat.
Before that, the backrower was sent off in the Wales capital in 2021 whilst also starting in a Barbarians defeat at the ground 12 months ago.
“It’s probably one of my favourite stadiums to play at,” Valetini remarked despite the defeats.
“It’s a great crowd and a strong team. They’re incredibly loud and Wales has a good set-piece team.
“…That (2022) tour was tough and I think there was only about 25 boys left in that last week to train. I think for that team to come over and win as well at the end, especially a comeback as well was awesome to watch from home. I was proud of the boys and I knew how hard they had to work that week to come away with the win.”
