Craig Clarke forced into retirement...

[smartcooky]

... on medical advice due to ongoing issues with concussion.

https://nz.sports.yahoo.com/rugby/n...8063704-34ca0394-7eee-4f8f-9fe5-cb6186b092bf/

I'm saddened to see the former Chiefs lock end his career this way. Craig is a great "team man" and an excellent leadership figure in the teams he's played for.

I wish him well in whatever comes next for him.

 

[nzlizard]

Always been a huge fan esp in the last few seasons when he was co-captain for Chiefs, just such an inspirational player and a real work horse.

 

[TRF_heineken]

A very underrated player. It's a pity that this had to happen, as he was instrumental in keeping composure on the field for the Chiefs and guiding them to the ***le.

I hope that this doesn't also happen to Kieran Read...

 

[Patchey]

This is really sad news. I first became aware of him during the Chief's first Super Rugby winning season (2012 right?) and was really impressed by his work rate and commitment. I was hoping he's be a big part of what is being built over at Connacht.

I guess there is one silver lining. It sounds like the club were very good and he was given as much time and medical advice as he needed before deciding. Showing exactly how concussion should be dealt with as opposed to the treatment Fritz and Hape have got in France. Not much conciliation to Clarke but it does at least show these things can be done right.

 

[goodNumber10]

good player, sad to see him leave the game.

Well done the union for looking after their player.

Surely there is a requirement for random cognitive testing in rugby now, in the same way we do for drugs?

 

[donmcdazzle]

I think it's weird he never played for the AB's but someone like Jeremy Thrush has.. good player, hope this doesn't affect him later in life.

 

[Larksea]

I think Clarke would have got an All Black test cap had he not been injured at a bad time. Its a shame because he deserved it and will be forever talked about as one of the better players New Zealand has produced that never got a chance, with the likes of duane monkley and jason rutledge. There are a lot of players that have caps on jerseys on their wall that were nowhere near as good as Clarke.

And it sucks how he wont get to complete an overseas stint and make bank before he retires. He deserves that as well.

But he is a very intelegent and articulate man. You would expect he has a lot of carrier options outside playing.