McCabe retires from rugby union

Brumbies and Wallabies outside back Pat McCabe has been forced to retire because of a neck injury, it is being reported.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham told ABC radio the 26-year-old had decided to hang up his boots after consulting with a specialist, although the club is yet to confirm the retirement officially.

McCabe fractured his neck in the Wallabies' 51-20 loss to the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday.

The injury was the third time McCabe had suffered a serious neck injury.

"Pat has made the decision he's not going to play again," Larkham said.

"Pat has had a number of good years at the Brumbies, I really thought this year was his best year in terms of performance.

"He had a really good pre-season, he had a bit of a scare earlier in the year but he overcame that and fought his way back into the Wallabies side and I thought things were up and up for him from here, so really devastating news for Patty and for his family.

"The good thing is he's in a neck brace at the moment and will stay in that neck brace for the next couple of months and the neck should heal up fine, but devastating that he won't play rugby again."

McCabe had been a member of the Brumbies squad from 2010 and played 24 Tests for Australia.

https://au.sports.yahoo.com/rugby/ne...m-rugby-union/

Poor bloke, whilst i don't rate him, you hate to see someones career cut short by any injury, let alone a neck/spine injury.

Player drain to europe - here a is a prime example of why some of them do it young, they never know when it may be up.

That is on one hand sad news for him and Australian rugby because of his attitude and commitment, however it isn't the worst outcome that could have eventuated if he kept on playing. I for one appreciate what he did for rugby in Australia and the role he played during the World Cup as one of the most gutsy performances I have seen from a wallaby. Thanks Pat

Quote:

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Originally Posted by palitu

Poor bloke, whilst i don't rate him, you hate to see someones career cut short by any injury, let alone a neck/spine injury.

Player drain to europe - here a is a prime example of why some of them do it young, they never know when it may be up.

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I second this motion.

Hate to see a bloke be forced out of the game by an injury.

Terrible news, but could be worse (could be paraplegic etc).

Hope he has plans in place re what to do after rugby. Good luck to him.

I'm devastated for him; but pleased he put his future ahead of his present and retired while still able to walk. All the best for your next chapter Pat :-)

Best wishes Pat McCabe, poor bugger. You never know how long you have.

Same as above, didn't rate him too highly... but what the fu@k would I know? Was good enough to earn 20+ Wallabies caps. I guess there's a lot to be said for ambition out weighing talent!

He never left anything on the field..... and he certainly never went hiding. And that s a lot more than some present day Wallabies can say.

Good luck Paddy

Gutted for him.
Love the way he played the game. Hard, straight, direct and giving it everything.
Wishing him every success in all future endeavours.

And by all accounts one of Australian rugby's truly good guys :-(

Not sure about the forced to retire line...you play as long as your body allows. McCabe had issues with his back and neck and the writing was well and truly on the wall for him. He probably should have considered retiring before this if was looking at his long term health and well-being. That's how it is with professional sportsmen, particularly in a sport as hard on the body as Rugby.

It's still sad and disappointing for him. Thanks for your service pat and best of luck in your future endeavours.