Rugby: Blues hooker Kurt Eklund retires with neck injury
Blues hooker Kurt Eklund has announced his retirement from professional rugby due to persistent neck injuries. The 34-year-old ends his career after seven seasons with the Blues and a stint as captain of the Maori All Blacks.
Why it matters
The retirement highlights the physical toll of professional rugby and the difficult career decisions athletes face regarding long-term health.
Former Blues hooker Kurt Eklund has retired from rugby after taking advice about the risk of continuing to play with a neck injury.
The 34-year-old, who had signed a contract to play for Japanese club the Canon Eagles, has confirmed he is hanging up his boots, ending a career that included seven seasons with the Blues for 82 games and 24 tries .
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