Will Genia
The brilliant, sniping scrum-half who orchestrated Australia's last period of rugby dominance, becoming the Wallabies' most-capped number nine.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Australian rugby union player·Birthday: January 17·Millennials
Biography
Will Genia didn't just play scrum-half; he redefined the position for a generation of Australian fans with his crisp pass, tactical kicking, and predatory instinct around the ruck. Emerging from Brisbane's club rugby scene, he became the heartbeat of a resurgent Queensland Reds team that shocked the rugby world by winning the 2011 Super Rugby title. That same year, he was instrumental in the Wallabies' run to the Rugby World Cup semi-final, his partnership with Quade Cooper embodying a daring, attacking style. Genia's career was marked by consistency and big-game temperament, captaining his country and setting a then-record for most Test caps at scrum-half. After stints in France and Japan, he transitioned into coaching, taking his deep understanding of the game's rhythms to guide the next wave of players.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Will was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Will Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Will's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2011 Super Rugby title with the Queensland Reds, being named Man of the Match in the final.
- Earned 110 caps for the Australian national team, holding the record for most Test appearances as scrum-half at the time of his retirement.
- Captained the Wallabies on multiple occasions, including during the 2012 tour of the UK.
Did You Know?
He was born in Papua New Guinea and moved to Australia when he was 13.
His nickname is 'Will Power,' a play on the IndyCar driver's name.
He studied a Bachelor of Business at the Queensland University of Technology while playing professionally.
“The pass has to be there before the runner even thinks he's open.”
