FORMER Wallabies prop Ben Alexander has announced his retirement.

The popular 33-year-old played 72 Tests and signs off as the Brumbies’ most capped player with a remarkable 154 Super Rugby appearances to his name.

Alexander made his Wallabies debut against France in 2008 and quickly became a Test regular with his ability to play either side of the scrum.

His last Test was against England in 2014 but he kept plugging away for the Brumbies.

Alexander had a tryscoring knack for a prop — dotting down 21 times for the Brumbies and four times in Tests.

“Ben has been at the club for a long period of time and is a guy who is very popular amongst the playing group, is highly respected, and has had a tremendous career having made a significant contribution to the Brumbies,” Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said.

“Ben started as a loosehead and moved across to tight-head and, at times through his career, he played one for the Brumbies and different for the Wallabies.

“That says a lot about his character in that he always did what was best for the team and the group.

“Because of his experience, and the fact he has been around for a long time, he has an opinion that you value, and that knowledge and experience is something that we will miss.”

Brumbies chief executive Michael Thomson echoed McKellar’s sentiments.

“Ben has been a loyal club man and incredible talent,” Thomson said.

“Not only is he a tremendous rugby player, Ben is also a wonderful man and is a very popular person amongst the players, staff and supporters.

“His commitment to the club is second to none and is exemplified by his retirement as our record cap holder.

“To play over 150 matches in Super Rugby for one team is testament to his qualities but, to everyone who knows him, Ben is so much more than a rugby player, being a successful businessman and great family man.

“His experience and presence will be missed on the field, but we are hoping that he will continue to be a regular visitor to the club.

“We thank Ben for his contribution and wish he and his young family all the best for the future.”

Wallabies prop Ben Alexander celebrates after defeating Argentina 25-19 in 2012.

BEN ALEXANDER CAREER STATISTICS

Position: Prop

DOB: 13/11/1984

Birthplace: Sydney, NSW

Height: 1.89m

Weight: 120kg

School: Knox Grammar, Sydney, NSW

Brumby Number: 112

Super Rugby debut: 2008 v Reds, Canberra

Super Rugby caps: 154

Super Rugby points: 105 (21T)

ACT club: Uni-Norths Owls

Wallaby number: 824

Test debut: 2008 v France, Sydney

Test caps: 72; 20 points (4 tries)