Emotional club statement confirms Ned Hanigan forced to end career

Former Wallaby back-row Ned Hanigan has been forced to retire from professional rugby – Provence Rugby have confirmed in a statement.

The Pro D2 club announced the decision on Thursday, stating that Hanigan must now prioritise his long-term health and step away from the game.

The 30-year-old joined Provence ahead of the 2024/25 season and made five appearances during a short spell in southern France.

The club statement reads: “Provence Rugby announces with emotion that Ned Hanigan is forced to end his professional rugby career.

“On medical advice, the Australian international flanker must now prioritize his health and retire from playing top-level rugby. Having arrived in the off-season in 2024, Ned played five matches for the Provençal club. Those five matches were enough to highlight his exceptional quality: intelligent, well-rounded, athletic, precise, and always making the right decisions. Every time he stepped onto the pitch, his skill was undeniable.

“But beyond his sporting achievements, it’s the man himself that the club will remember most. Radiant, humble, and incredibly kind, Ned immediately made a lasting impression on the locker room and everyone who worked with him. Respectful, hardworking, and always positive, he will have left a sincere and enduring mark despite his all-too-brief time at the club.”

Having played for Randwick and NSW Country Eagles, the Dubbo-born Hanigan began his professional career with the Waratahs, where he went to make over over 90 Super Rugby appearances between 2016 and 2023.

He earned 16 Test caps for Australia between 2017 and 2022, last featuring for Australia A in 2023.

The 6’4, 110kg flanker, who could also cover the second-row, joined Provence in 2024.

His last game was against Mont-de-Marsan and came nearly one year ago.