PLAYERS PREMATURELY RETIRING DUE TO CONCUSSION

It’s a sad but true fact that there will most likely be players prematurely retiring every year for the foreseeable future.

In the last few seasons we have seen former All Blacks Ben Afeaki and James Broadhurst call time on their respective career due to head knocks.

This year it was Hurricanes prop Reggie Goodes who had to accept that his playing days were over after receiving medical advice that suggested he would be endangering his health if he continued to play.

So at 26-years-old, he announced his retirement. “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,” Goodes said.

“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.”

BIGGER PICTURE Reggie Goodes decided the risk of playing was too great and that there were too many things he would be risking if he didn’t stop.