Holmes made his Super 12 debut for the Reds in 2005 playing the Auckland Blues in Auckland. After having a strong debut season, Holmes found himself getting a callup to the Wallabies squad to tour Europe. He made his Australian debut against France in Marseille. Holmes came off the bench in Australia's loss to England at Twickenham, where the English overpowered the Wallabies with their scrummaging. He was included in John Connolly's Wallabies side to face England at Telstra Stadium. In the return match against the English, Australia won 34 to 3. In 2006, Holmes scored a remarkable try against the Irish, running over 60 metres to touch down. He also scored in Australia's 49-0 victory over South Africa, this time scoring a try more akin to a prop by smashing through three South African would-be tacklers. In 2011, Holmes was included in Wallabies squad.[citation needed]
Holmes announced on 21 December 2015 that he would be calling time on his Wallabies career and joining Aviva Premiership side Exeter Chiefs for the 2016/17 season on a two-year deal.[1]
