Ex Ferns captain retires

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 yesterday, reflecting on a lifelong love affair with rugby. ‘‘It’s time to hang up the boots,’’ she wrote on social media. 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.’’