Nathan Sharpe Retiring

[TNT88]

At the end of 2012 Nathan Sharpe will end his rugby career.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/nathan-sharpe-to-retire-at-end-of-2012-season-20120210-1sa1x.html

Most-capped Wallabies second-rower Nathan Sharpe is to retire from all competitive rugby at the end of the 2012 Super Rugby season.

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Sharpe, who turns 34 on February 26, said he wanted to end speculation about his future and ensure his focus was only on helping his Western Force team to make the Super Rugby finals for the first time.

Sharpe has played 101 Tests for Australia, making him the equal fourth most capped Wallabies player, behind only George Gregan, George Smith and Stephen Larkham and equal with David Campese.

He debuted in 2002 and was still in the Wallabies ranks last year, playing at the World Cup in New Zealand.

"It is an emotional time for me," said Sharpe in a statement today.

"It's one of those decisions you mull over and think 'are you going too early or too late' and I wasn't really sure of that until recently.

"I've been incredibly lucky right through my career to have been involved with some great people and great teams.

"I've got one more shot at winning a ***le and I don't intend on fading away, I want to finish with my best Super Rugby season yet, that's the way I want to exit the game."

cont..​

HE is a legend at the Force, and I'm sure most Wallaby fans will miss him. 101 caps is a great effort for a lock. I have no doubt he'll still continue contributing to Rugby Union off the field, like he always has been.

Hopefully he has a good, injury free 2012 season!

 

[Darwin]

No real surprise to see he will be retiring at the end of the season. He's had a pretty outstanding career - he played over 70 matches for the Reds before captaining the Force for the last 6 seasons! I think it is great that the Force has named Pocock as captain this season as this will make Sharpe's departure a bit easier, and I'm sure Pocock will lean on Sharpe a lot during the season for advice.

 

[nickdnz]

Once again, can't help but feel a trip to the Japan Pro League would be a good way to retire. Still, very big career and it's good he's going out still more or less on top.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Once again, can't help but feel a trip to the Japan Pro League would be a good way to retire. Still, very big career and it's good he's going out still more or less on top.

Well he did say all competitive rugby

 

[Amobokoboko]

Great player, will be missed.

 

[Seaton]

Great player, his teams will miss him.


One last time, please?

 

[Gena_ZA]

Honest hard working player and a friendly bloke,wishing him all the best

 

[TNT88]

 

[big ginger 8]

Good player wish him the best. Did anyone else notice he looks like a bald Sylvster Stallone.

 

[Ostrayian]

my captain

 

[UilamOsa]

Honest hard working player and a friendly bloke,wishing him all the best

During the Rugby World Cup in AKL my cousin and his son were walking around Queen St (AKL central) and found a group of Wallabies. It was I think Polota Nau, Palu, McAlman, some other dude and Nathan Sharpe. My Cousin sees them makes a bee line for the Group asking for a photo for his son.

Wallabies players shoulders straightened, shirts adjusted. Heads got a little bit bigger.

My Cousin: "Ah Yeah...Can I just take a photo with Nathan Sharpe and my son?"

Nathan Sharpe walked away for the biggest smile. And the other players just drifted away. Heads down.

Point being: Even a Former League player who barely watches Rugby knew what a Great player was, and was happy to point that out to his child.


I would've asked for a photo of him as well.

 

[Sam Owen]

101 TESTS!! well done

 

[William18]

He's had a great career.