Best known in these parts for his part in the infamous spear tackle which ended Brian O’Driscoll’s Lions Tour in 2005, All Black hooker Keven Mealamu is finally bringing the curtain down on a long international career.
The 36-year-old, who made his New Zealand debut in 2002, confirmed earlier today that he would be hanging up his boots after the World Cup, having made the second most appearances for his country with 126, winning the World Cup medal in 2011.
“At the end of the year I will be looking to retire,” Mealamu said. “But with a quick reflection it’s been an amazing journey and something I never dreamed possible to be able to not only enjoy, but really love the rugby I’ve played here in New Zealand. It’s been a fantastic opportunity.”
Mealamu joins a host of other New Zealand greats in calling it quits after the World Cup, with Dan Carter, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Tony Woodcock already making their decisions and captain Richie McCaw expected to follow suit.
[h/t Stuff.co.nz]
