Wallabies fullback Dane Haylett-Petty has decided to “hang up the boots” following a lengthy battle with concussion.
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The 32-year-old had been sidelined for more than a year with concussion symptoms after he sustained a head injury during a Bledisloe Cup match against the All Blacks in October last year.
The fullback, who notched 38 tests and 12 tries for the Wallabies, had made attempts to return to top-level action this year but was unable to due to lingering symptoms such as migraines.
The Melbourne Rebels skipper ultimately didn’t feature for the club during the recent Super Rugby season.
“After 14 years, it’s time to hang up the boots,” he wrote on Instagram.
“It’s not the way I wanted to finish. 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.
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“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 later told Fox Sports that he had been unable to fully recover from his concussion battle.
“Right at the beginning, the specialist said the best thing you could do is listen to your head,” he said.
“While I’m much better, I haven’t been able to shake some of the symptoms.”
Haylett-Petty’s battle with concussion is well documented.
In 2018, the fullback suffered a nasty head knock while playing for the Rebels that rubbed him out of action for more than a month.
Haylett-Petty made his debut for the Wallabies against England in 2016.
– with AP