Former All Blacks, Hurricanes and Blues scrum-half Piri Weepu has announced his retirement from all forms of the game with immediate effect.
The 34-year-old has been playing for Wairarapa Bush in New Zealand’s Heartland Championship in 2017 and made the announcement of his retirement via social media, shortly after their last match of the season, on Saturday.
“It’s been a honour and a privilege to have played footy over the years,” Weepu posted on Instagram.
Weepu played in 71 Tests for the All Blacks and was an integral part of their squad when they won the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
He made his provincial debut for Wellington in 2003 and started playing at Super Rugby level for the Hurricanes in 2004. He played for the Wellington-based franchise until 2011 before moving to the Blues in 2012.
After two seasons with the three-time Super Rugby champions, he joined London Welsh in 2014 but moved to Wasps in 2015.
Weepu also had spells with French sides Oyonnax and Narbonne but returned to New Zealand earlier this year when he joined Wairarapa Bush.