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Wallabies centre forced into retirement
By Online Editors
Severe ongoing concussions have forced another international star to hang up his boots.
According to Rugbycomau, Australia international Anthony Fainga’a has called an end to his rugby career due to concussions.
The extent of the concussions were so severe that Fainga’a had to be held up at the altar during his twin brother’s (fellow Wallabies representative Saia) wedding.
The centre played 23 Tests for the Wallabies and was a member of the Reds’ Super Rugby championship-winning team in 2011.
Fainga’a, who is set to move back to Brisbane, has been playing in Japan for the past three seasons.
The 32-year-old revealed said he had opportunities to continue in the sport but had made the right call.
Fainga’a suffered several head knocks during his playing career, including one during the 2011 Rugby World Cup, where he was taken from the field after losing consciousness for more than a minute.
“I’m probably only one more head knock away from being a vegetable or not being able to play with my kids,” Fainga’a told Fox Sports News.
“After a couple of really big head knocks, I had to make a big decision,” Fainga’a said, recalling an occasion more than two years ago when he realised the effect concussions were having on his health.
“In 2016, my twin brother got married and at the altar, I was actually getting held up because of the head knocks.
“I received a couple of really big head knocks over my career and I was standing at the altar getting held up, I got walked out by someone.
“I got a few head knocks last year and after all these head knocks I had to make a decision, make a choice about what I wanted to do with my future.
“I love the rugby game so much but I needed to look after my mental health.”
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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