Wallabies star forced to retire
NEWS: Wallabies stalwart Dane Haylett-Petty has been forced to call time on his career after a lengthy battle with concussion.
A veteran of 38 Tests, 32-year-old Haylett-Petty suffered a knock in a Bledisloe Cup match against the All Blacks last year and failed to play in the 2021 Super Rugby season with the Melbourne Rebels.
The fullback had made attempts to return to top-level action, but complained of lingering symptoms such as migraines when he exerted himself.
There had been speculation he would head overseas when he went unsigned by the Rebels, but on Sunday he announced he was retiring.
“It’s not the way I wanted to finish,” Haylett-Petty posted on social media.
“I would have loved to run out just one more time, but it wasn’t to be.
“Rugby has given me so much and for that I am forever grateful. The experiences, the opportunities, the challenges, and the lifelong friendships.
“Thank you to all the teams who gave me an opportunity, and whose jerseys I wore with pride.
“I hope in the future I can repay the game for everything it’s given to me. What an amazing journey it’s been, but I am so excited to start something new.”
Haylett-Petty, who also represented Australia at Sevens, was awarded his first cap against England in 2016.
He would go on to score 12 tries in his 38 Tests which included the Wallabies’ 2019 World Cup campaign.
He made his Super Rugby bow for the Western Force in 2008 and enjoyed spells in Japan and France before linking with the Rebels in 2018.
🙌 All the best for the next chapter Dane Haylett-Petty! Congrats on a great career, especially in the Gold jersey! #Wallabies pic.twitter.com/WF9Ml1pjQ3
— Wallabies (@wallabies) November 7, 2021
