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Concussion forces Hurricanes prop Goodes to retire

By Online Editors
Reggie Goodes

Hurricanes prop Reggie Goodes has been forced to retire from rugby due to a continuing series of concussions.

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In a press statement, the 26-year-old advised he made the decision based on what is best for his family.

“I would have dearly loved to continue playing rugby, but there are more important things in life than sport and I have decided to put my family first and hang up my boots.

“Although I am pleased to say I am now feeling good, the medical advice and my history of head knocks suggests there is a risk there that’s not worth taking.

Goodes last played since a pre-season game last year where he suffered a head knock that forced him out for the season. His focus will now turn to building his life outside rugby after becoming a father for the first time last month.

“I’d especially like to thank my wife, Chelsea, who has been there for me every step of the way, but also my past and present Hurricanes and Wellington coaches, teammates, management and medical staff and all the fans who have all been incredibly understanding during what was a difficult time.

“Rugby has given me a lot of great memories, which I will always cherish but I am now looking forward, not backward. Chelsea and I have recently welcomed our daughter into the world and I’m excited about what the future holds as I enter the job market.”

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Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said Goodes would be a loss to the team both on and off the field.

“Reggie was a very talented player. He had a great work ethic around his training and preparation and he was genuine in everything he did. He was universally respected by his teammates and his sense of humour in the team environment will certainly be missed.

“We wish him all the best for life after rugby and I have no doubt he will be successful in whatever field he chooses to pursue.”

Goodes attended Wellington College after relocating from South Africa with his family. He played through the Wellington junior rep-system before debuting for the Wellington Lions in 2010 and then onto Super Rugby with the Hurricanes in 2012.

In 2016 he helped the Hurricanes win their maiden title, and showed glimpses of his potential on this barnstorming run against the Lions in South Africa. His form led to call up to the Barbarians side at the end of that year.

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Trevor 29 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
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