71-cap All Black retires from international rugby - Ruck

71-cap All Black retires from international rugby

Wyatt Crockett has announced his retirement from international rugby with this year also to be his last season of Investec Super Rugby with the Crusaders.

The hugely-popular 35-year-old prop, who made his professional rugby debut in 2006, is the most capped Super Rugby player of all time and ran out for his 13th Super season and in his 188th Crusaders match on Saturday in their opening match against the Chiefs. He played his 71st and final Test for the All Blacks against Wales in the last Test of 2017.

Crockett made the announcement on social media this morning.



“It is never an easy thing to know when the time is right, but my family have made a number of sacrifices over the past 13 years which have allowed me to live out my dream. Now it’s time for me to give back to them, simply by being there more than I have been able to as a professional rugby player.

“To all of the coaches, management, supporters and of course, my team mates over the years, thank you for your belief, support and friendship throughout my international and Super Rugby career.


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“I intend on making the most of my last season with the Crusaders, enjoying every minute of it and giving this team everything I’ve got.”

Despite finishing his international and Super Rugby career, Crockett will still be playing rugby in New Zealand – he has signed a two-year deal to play for the Tasman Mako in the Mitre 10 Cup.

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