Ex captain hangs up boots
Les Elder has drawn the curtain on her illustrious playing career.
The Black Ferns, Chiefs Manawa and Bay of Plenty loose forward announced her retirement on Friday, reflecting on a lifelong love affair with rugby.
‘‘It’s time to hang up the boots,’’ she wrote on social media. ‘‘As I lay in bed beside my little girl, I reflect back on my time in the game.
‘‘I think about where it all started, the sacrifices my parents made, the many coaches & management that have guided me, the lifelong friends I’ve made, the memories we’ve created, the countries I’ve seen, the non-selections I’ve persevered through, the injuries I’ve overcome, the pride I felt representing my people, the pride I felt leading my nation, the lessons the game has taught me, how much I’ve grown. It’s overwhelming to think that this is it.’’
Elder, 35, captained the Black Ferns last year but missed out on selection for the Rugby World Cup. Instead, she took up a commentary and analysis role for Spark Sport during the tournament.
’’What started as knee rugby in the lounge & bullrush on the Marae with my brothers, transpired into a 22-year journey,’’ she wrote.
‘‘Although my journey didn’t end the way I had dreamed, I hang my boots up proud. Knowing that I served the game as best I could, that I achieved many things and that I done so while always upholding the values and mana I was bought up with.
‘‘I am extremely grateful for everything the game and its people have given me – Thank you.
‘‘ I move into life after rugby with so much excitement for what I can give back to the game.’’