Retired centre Anthony Fainga'a opens up on the reason he hung up the boots: concussion. And just how damaging so many head knocks had become in his life.

The former Wallaby takes us deep into his concerning concussion journey across the first 24 minutes of this week's Fox Rugby Podcast, before we open up to some of the hot topics in Australian rugby right now, including Quade Cooper's big start to season 2019 and the unfortunate injury setback young gun Jordan Petaia suffered on the weekend.

Here's the full rundown:

The retirement decision and Anthony's concussion issues (1:00)

The severity of Faingaa's brain health

Australian Rugby's faring this Super Rugby season (24:00)

The little things that led to the Reds' Super Rugby success in 2011 (28:00)

Anthony's take on the extent of Jordan Petaia's Lisfranc injury, something Faingaa's also been through (30:00)

The 'clubhouse leaders' for the Wallabies' centre pairing (34:00)

Faingaa's thoughts on Quade's form (36:00)

'We don't need to hide' star players (37:00)

Are we seeing the revival of Australian Rugby? (38:00)

Ewen McKenzie a 'wasted resource'? (41:30)

Previewing the derbies: Tahs-Reds and Rebels-Brumbies (45:00)

More thoughts on Quade (49:00)