Brumbies and Wallabies outside back Pat McCabe has been forced to retire because of a neck injury.
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham told ABC radio the 26-year-old had decided to hang up his boots after consulting with a specialist.
McCabe fractured his neck in the Wallabies’ 51-20 loss to the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday.
The injury was the third time McCabe had suffered a serious neck injury.
“Pat has made the decision he’s not going to play again,” Larkham said.
“Pat has had a number of good years at the Brumbies, I really thought this year was his best year in terms of performance.
“He had a really good pre-season, he had a bit of a scare earlier in the year but he overcame that and fought his way back into the Wallabies side and I thought things were up and up for him from here, so really devastating news for Patty and for his family.
“The good thing is he’s in a neck brace at the moment and will stay in that neck brace for the next couple of months and the neck should heal up fine, but devastating that he won’t play rugby again.”
McCabe had been a member of the Brumbies squad from 2010 and played 24 Tests for Australia.
Peter Hughes
Roar Rookie
Bad luck for Pat and Aust Rugby. Pat will be remembered as an excellent, gutsy & versatile player who always gave 100%.
Custard yellow Platypus
Guest
All the best bro ( make him Wallsbie defence coach when he recovers ) he is a staunch defender
Two Eyed Cyclop
Roar Guru
Pat polarised fans but I think he was underrated, sad news indeed. One thing never in doubt was his bravery, always put himself where it hurts and probably paid the price, but nothing is worth your health. Best of luck for the future champ.
nik
Guest
Never nice to see anyone have to leave the game in this manner. I wish Pat well.
BRAMS Brams
Guest
Good luck Pat I might be a kiwi but reckon your a good bloke and rugby player, I hope your good qualities have rubbed off on your team mates and you stay involved in rugby mate.
ben
Guest
Brumbies have twittered that hes not retiring and hes going to play on.
Andrew George
Roar Guru
Tragic end to a career so early. Certainly a case of courage and heart being too big for his substantial frame.
Scot Free
Guest
Really sorry to see Pat go but it was the only smart option. Congratulations on a great career and all the best for the future. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
Yes he can look back on his career and be mightly proud of his achievements. Wise to retire from the game. He played the game to his best ability and that was pretty well in my book. Now to the next phase of his life which I'm sure he will succeed in whatever he chooses to do. There is not too many blokes that can look back on a great wallaby career, Pat McC can surely do that, he can stand proudly and say he was a Wallaby. Well Done!!!!!!
Sandy B
Guest
Once, twice, three times...... Great decision. All the best on your future. A great tough and understated and underestimated player. Thank you.
jaysper
Roar Guru
Smartest move he can make. Has a long future ahead of him, best not to risk it all for a game - no matter how good you are.
Targa
Guest
Good luck for your life after rugby. Well done on your career
Chop
Roar Guru
Disappointing for him that he never got to fulfil his potential. But as a fan I'm happy he can actually walk away from the game rather than end up with a permanent incapacity.
Dave
Guest
Champ. Much like the Honey Badger, his attitude, dedication to the Wallaby jersey was a positive during the modern era.
jameswm
Roar Guru
What, has the guy died? Sorry, it's not that sad. Pat can look back on a fun and exciting time of his life. He's had the chance to play his favourite sport at the top level. He's at risk of very serious injury, but has managed to get out with his body and his future intact. Everyone has to retire at some point, and now is his time. He can be proud of what he's done, and has earned everyone's respect. He's had that amazing time of his life (getting paid for playing the sport he loves), can look back on it fondly, and now it's time to move on to other challenges. Best of luck to him.
Piddy
Guest
Very sad news. A massively gutsy player who will be missed by brumbies and wallabies. His courageous effort in the world cup qf vs the boks in 2011 has been etched into wallaby folklore. All the best Pat.
Ronaldo
Guest
You won't get a better team man nor a more courageous player than Pat McCabe. Well played, thank you & all the best for the future to you & your family.
Magic Sponge
Guest
A very underrated player especially thru the Deans era where he had to cover for QC inability to tackle
Jeff
Guest
He should never have been picked for the bledisloe tests
Who Needs Melon
Roar Guru
Sad but I also say thank god. Or whatever the equivalent is for a non-religous person like myself. Nothing left to prove to anyone else (and hopefully also himself) that he is clearly a champion bloke who will make a success of whatever he turns his hand to. Occupations where he can show his mettle without the all-too-high threat of permanent crippling injury.