Former All Blacks captain and two-time World Cup winner Kieran Read has announced his retirement from professional rugby.
Read took to social media to make the announcement before his Toyota Verblitz team lost to Robbie Deans’ Panasonic Wild Knights in the semi-finals of Japan’s Top League.
“I’m looking forward to returning to New Zealand and spending time with my family,” the 35-year-old said.
Read is the third most-capped All Blacks in history with 127 Test appearances – 52 of them as skipper.
The champion No.8 was a member of New Zealand teams that won the World Cup in 2011 and 2015 and he was voted World Rugby Player of the Year in 2013.
Read also won four Super Rugby titles with New Zealand’s Crusaders.
Making his All Blacks debut in 2008, Read assumed the captaincy from Richie McCaw in 2016 and led the All Blacks to the semi-final at the 2019 World Cup before ending his international career in 2020.
“Thank you, Reado. We wish you all the best in your retirement from professional rugby,” a post on the official All Blacks Twitter account read.
LOL NO I was just happy to use both eyes.
Bill Shut
Roar Rookie
jeepers....you must have missed some bits of Fitzys shenanigan's. Other players knew about it - even more so at provincial level.
No me neither Bill I just threw that at you because you said Fitspatrick was a dirty player, I dont think either was a dirty player.
Bill Shut
Roar Rookie
Seriously?? i never thought that.
Haha John Eales was far dirtier
Malo
Guest
Great career, but ZinZan was the greatest
Mielie
Roar Rookie
Well done Kieran. Enjoy your retirement and thank you so much for your magnificent contribution to the the game of Rugby.
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
The Force - they like the old boys...
Lara
Guest
Outstanding .
Ulrich
Roar Rookie
Great player. All the best to him.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Ah c'mon, Beefa... that is most unkind. :unhappy: Everyone here has been most kind, respectful, decent in regards to the stellar career Read had, not only as a player but as person... and then go and call him 'an over-rated spud.' :shocked: More like... spud meets chip meets shoulder methinks.
Beefa
Guest
The All Blacks had Read. The Wallabies had Palu. One a legend the other an over-rated spud.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
Wonder if NSW will try to sign him? :silly: :silly: :laughing: :laughing:
Antony Henrie
Guest
Indeed he did, and the best Aussie 7 in Japan Sean McMahon dominated in his game and now is in the Final. Until Hooper is discarded the Wallabies aint going nowhere.
You didnt write anything wrong Harry. BiB was way out of line with that comment...
Laith
Guest
Hooper had an absolute shocker in this game.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Yep, best seagull to ever play the game! :silly:
J Jones
Roar Rookie
Iceman was a 7 forced into 6 after knee injuries… amazing at 7 good/great at 6
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
Not so sure about rugby history but they're right up there as an All Black back row. Jones, Kronfeld and Brooke would have given them a run for their money. Funnily enough, as good as the Iceman was, Jerry Collins at his peak is my favourite blindside...
J Jones
Roar Rookie
Fitzpatrick was first to win a series in SAF, that's why he's ahead