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Former Wallabies prop Toby Smith quits rugby following concussion issues
By Online Editors
Hurricanes prop Toby Smith has announced he is retiring from rugby following issues with concussion.
The 31-year-old Smith, a Super Rugby centurion and former Australian international, has opted not to renew his contract with the Hurricanes to preserve his long-term health by seeking out new opportunities.
"I am making the difficult choice now to leave the game I love and that has given me so many amazing experiences and where I have made some life-long friendships," Smith said.
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"I have had some on-going issues with concussion, and while I am currently symptom-free, I do not wish to put that at further risk.
"I'm really grateful for the support and encouragement I have had from the Hurricanes and NZR and I now look forward to new challenges."
In addition to being a capped Wallaby, Smith played 108 Super Rugby games for the Chiefs, Rebels and Hurricanes. He debuted for the Hurricanes against the Bulls in Pretoria in 2018 and went on to play 21 times for the Wellington-based club over two seasons.
Hurricanes coach John Plumtree praised Smith, highlighting his performance in this year's Super Rugby semifinal.
"Despite injuries and concussion, Toby has been a fantastic Hurricane epitomised by his outstanding performance in his last match for us in the 2019 Super Rugby semifinal," Plumtree said.
"We will certainly miss him but player welfare must continue to be the number one priority."
NZ Rugby head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum commended Smith on a brave but exciting decision.
"Toby can be proud of his achievements – he has represented a number of teams, and he is a capped Australian international," he said.
"The centurions club is an exclusive club and it is remarkable that across three different teams he has amassed 108 games in what is regarded as the world's toughest inter-regional competition."
This article first appeared on nzherald.co.nz and was republished with permission.
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Latest Comments
Yeah, Perofeta's injury opened the door for Love to debut. Love's injury in NPC ruled him out of the Bledisloe Cup matches, but Robertson saw potential in him, so he kept him around for the EOYT. However, Perofeta's recovery meant he could return, hence Love being played on the Wing.
Robertson's attitude was just pissing me off near the end of the year, with how he'd go around complimenting the new guys as if he'd always seen potential in them, despite only giving them a chance due to injuries.
Go to commentsI would remove J Barrett from that list ofbacks with outstanding seasons
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