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‘I’ve run out of petrol’: Paul Vautin delivers surprise retirement announcement

Matthew Hart
Dec 02, 2024
Following Vautin's announcement, tributes poured in from colleagues and fans alike, with many praising his talent, humour, and humility. Source: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

After more than three decades of delivering expert commentary and unforgettable moments to rugby fans across Australia, legendary broadcaster and former rugby league star Paul Vautin has announced his retirement.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Vautin admitted that the time had come to step away, acknowledging he no longer had the stamina to keep pace with the ever-evolving game.

“I’m 65 and I’ve run out of petrol,” he told the publication.

“When I think about my life I have to say it’s all been a surprise; the television career, my football career. I remember thinking as a 15 or 16-year-old redheaded, freckly kid that I didn’t know what I was gonna do with my life, and then when I look at what I’ve done, I’m still surprised.

“I can’t believe how fortunate I’ve been to play the game at the level I did. I thought when I came to Sydney I’d have a few years in reserve grade and then probably go home. Instead, I got to play with some of the greats of the game who I now get to call friends. And then to think that I somehow had a career in media that went for as long as it did. I’m just so grateful for all the people and my family who have helped me along the way.

“What really gives me joy though, is running into people to this day who say nice things about what we did.

“It makes me quite emotional when I meet people, and it happens often, who say to me, ‘That show brought my family together’.

“I remember meeting a guy recently who thanked me for the relationship that he and his dad had because they bonded over watching The Footy Show. And when you hear things like that, that it brought families together, and kept them together, that’s better than anything.”

Vautin transitioned to broadcasting after a stellar rugby league career with Manly and Easts, where he also proudly represented Queensland and the Kangaroos.

His television journey began in 1991 as a co-host of a weekly sports segment on the Midday show, paving the way for his role on The Sunday Footy Show when it launched in 1993.

In September 1994, Vautin’s fame soared with the debut of The Footy Show on Thursday nights. He formed a dynamic hosting duo with Peter Sterling for much of the show’s run, joined over the years by rugby personalities such as Paul ‘The Chief’ Harragon, Matty Johns and Mario Fenech.

Following the conclusion of The Footy Show, Vautin became a mainstay in the Wide World of Sports commentary box, captivating fans nationwide with his sharp analysis and humour during NRL games

Following Vautin’s announcement, tributes poured in from colleagues and fans alike, with many praising his talent, humour, and humility.

Vautin wraps up his illustrious broadcasting career with an impressive haul of 11 Logie Awards for The Footy Show. Adding to his accolades, he was crowned Most Popular Sports Presenter in 2003, a testament to his enduring connection with fans.

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