Not even the heaviest defeat of his career could wipe the smile off Petero Civoniceva’s face as his final rugby league fling with Fiji came to an end.

The 37-year-old prop’s competitive career ended brutally as Fiji were thrashed 64-0 by his former nation Australia in Saturday’s World Cup semi-final at Wembley.

The margin meant the defeat surpassed a 74-12 shellacking by Canberra in 2008, when playing for Penrith, as the biggest defeat Civoniceva has been involved in as a professional player.

He admitted it had been a “tough night” but said the loss would not sour what he felt was a fitting finale to his career.

Civoniceva, Australia’s most capped forward with 37 appearances, deferred his retirement to lead his native nation at the World Cup, helping guide them to a second successive semi-final.

“When I look back at the month we’ve had, I’m immensely proud,” Civoniceva said.

“To get to Wembley is a huge achievement.

“… I couldn’t think of a better way to finish my career in that I was around some amazing young guys.

“It’s going to be great now to sit back and watch their careers unfold because I know, for many of them, they’re going to have tremendous careers ahead of them.”

Civoniceva retired from the NRL with Brisbane at the end of 2012 and spent a season playing with Redcliffe in the Queensland Cup.

His performances at the World Cup prompted fellow players to declare he could still be playing at NRL level but Civoniceva has promised his wife he’s hanging up the boots for good.

Civoniceva believes his former nation will be hard to stop in next week’s World Cup final against New Zealand, describing Tim Sheens’ side as a “well-oiled machine.”

“I’ve been a part of it, when they’re in that mood, and it’s hard being on the other end of it,” Civoniceva said.

“When they’re playing with that speed and consistency, it’s pretty hard to contain.”