Spence retires from game on medical advice

FORMER Otago midfielder Jayden Spence has been forced to give up rugby because of concussion.

Spence (26), who was in his second year of a twoyear deal with French club Bordeaux, announced his retirement from the game earlier this month.

He had not played since November last year and on medical advice decided to end his career. He has returned home to Alexandra, where he is originally from.

Spence played 49 games for Otago, scoring 11 tries as centre or wing.

A quality player, he was a solid operator, a good stepper with a nice pair of hands.

Spence, who went to Dunstan High School, played for Kaikorai. He turned in an an outstanding performance in the 2016 final to help Kaikorai win the club banner.

That was his last game in Dunedin before he left for his second stint with Bordeaux.

Spence suffered a serious concussion when playing for his Kaikorai club side in 2013 and missed most of the club season that year.

He was part of the Highlanders wider training squad but never took the field for the franchise.

The midfielder made his debut for Otago in 2011 and was part of the team which won the Ranfurly Shield in Hamilton in 2013.

Spence could not be contacted yesterday.

Spence came through the Otago Country grades with loose forward Lee Allan, who also had to retire because of concussion.

DUBLIN: Ireland centre Jared Payne has been forced to retire due to the concussion sustained on the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.

The 32yearold will take up the role of defence coach with Ulster, the province he represented 78 times alongside an international career that numbered 20 caps.

He has not played since his tryscoring performance against the Chiefs in June last year that ended when a head knock resulted in his substitution, ushering in the onset of persistent symptoms that have continued into 2018.

‘‘It’s been a good ride but unfortunately every good thing has to come to an end,’’ Payne said.

‘‘While I will undoubtedly miss the buzz of running out with mates every weekend, I have to listen to the medical advice and unfortunately give up the dream.’’

Payne, who is originally from Tauranga, is to work alongside Ireland’s coaching team during next month’s tour to Australia.

A Australianborn Crusaders flanker Peter Samu will join the Brumbies for the 2019 Super Rugby season and is tipped to be named in the Wallabies’ squad today.

Renowned for his hard running and tough tackling, the 26yearold qualifies for Australia by virtue of being born in Melbourne and has been widely nominated for the June threetest series against Six Nations champion Ireland.

The loose forward had two stints in Sydney club rugby with Randwick and has earned almost 30 Super Rugby caps for the Crusaders since making his debut in 2016. — BPA/ AAP