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Hooker retires after neck injury
c/o Fox Sports
February 10, 2007
BRUMBIES hooker David Palavi has been forced to retire from rugby due to a neck injury.
The 27-year-old sustained the injury when a scrum collapsed in the trial match against the Waratahs on January 20.
Initial scans cleared Palavi of any permanent damage but further tests showed degeneration in his neck and a narrowing of his spinal column.
Palavi is still coming to terms with retirement.
"I was absolutely gutted when I found out," he said.
"But when the doc told me that my long-term health and being able to look after my family was at risk, then the decision was a pretty simple one."
Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan says Palavi will be a loss to the side.
"It's always unfortunate when a player is forced to end his career on the advice of medical staff," he said.
"David's been a great contributor to Brumbies Rugby not only through his career with the Brumbies but also through the work he's done in coaching junior rugby sides in Canberra.
"While we can appreciate what a difficult time this is for him, we'd like to hope that he'll continue his association with Brumbies Rugby and rugby in the region.
Tongan-born Palavi played 22 Super matches for the Brumbies, including the 2004 Super 12 final win against the Crusaders, after making his debut against the Blues that year.
The former openside flanker, who played three seasons with the NRL's Canberra Raiders and Melbourne Storm, represented the Canberra Vikings in more than 100 games, including winning three premierships in the Brisbane club competition and captaining the side in 2005.
Palavi will continue his rugby involvement through coaching following his success as forwards coach for last year's premiership-winning Tuggeranong Vikings.
AAP
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
We (chook) referenced this in our first podcast, obviously the new scrum laws are what we needed all along.
(EDIT - This was a sarcastic comment, the new scrum laws were being used in this game)
Last edited by Sagerian; 11-02-07 at 08:20.
Is it wrong that I am kinda glad that he has retired given that it now give Saia Faingaa the chance he deserves?
Yes, yes it is. I doubt anyone who saw the incident would be saying that.
Were the new scrum laws not being used in the trial match on January 20? I thought they were being brought in for the pre-season so that the players were up to speed in time for the main event (Super 14).
Probably a wise decision for him to retire after such an injury. Long term health & well-being is much more important than anything else.
CHEERLEADERS ROCK!!!
I remember a (Bledisloe I think?) game where someone escaped a neck injury by yelling out "neck!" and one of the NZ blokes stopped the scrum.. or something.. man, was forever ago now, can't remember the details, but that'd be a pretty scary thing to have happen.
When you think about it though, would be a pretty easy thing to happen...
I don't know if I make any sense at all here, sorry! (Alcohol involvement.)
I want to be unique - just like everybody else!
You remember well Terri. It was Ben Darwin who was injured. He was the Force forwards coach last season. I'd rather he was still on board after seeing our scrum and lineout last night.Originally Posted by Terri
The All Black who saved him from serious damage was Kees Meuws.
Originally Posted by shasta
To this day i still get goosebumps when i remember this event as i have been in a similar situation and as any prop or hooker will tell you, we would all do the same thing in similar circumstances...Made kees a hero in my book, and there are plenty more fella's out there who have done the same thing, all deserve to be called a hero, especially for the person who is injured...There is approx 1.6tonnes of pressure from weight alone, not including the actual impact pressures, when two packs meet, and if you are not in the correct stance or someone doesn't engage properly, or you slip, well, the outlook can be devestating, hence the new laws, which i am growing more supportive of every day....
Proudly bought to you by a brewery somewhere....
Yeah Darwin that's right! All coming back to me!
I want to be unique - just like everybody else!
I never said it was a good thing that he got injured but it is a good thing he has made the decision to retire now given that it is Jeremy Paul's last season it gives the Brumbies the chance to give Faingaa more game time this season since he will be the starting hooker next season!Originally Posted by Sagerian
Was just coming over to say that for you AS, there was no refernce to his injury....
Anyway, your new post has highlighted a real issue for Australian rugby post France.
Paul and Palavi both gone from the Brumbies.
Cannon one year left and McIsaac doubtful for another go round on current form for the Force.
Freier not an International hooker and Polota Nau taking longer than expected to develope for the Waratahs.
Hardman not getting any younger and Moore still earning his stripes for the Reds.
For the younger brigade there is a real opportunity to step up rapidly if they are physically mature enough.
Currently that means:
Saia Faingaa (Brumbies, 180cm, 103kg 02/02/87),
Luke Holmes (Force, 184cm, 106kg, 14/11/83),
Al Manning Waratahs, 179cm, 106kg, 14/02/82) &
Geoff Abram (Reds, 181cm, 100kg, 16/08/86) or
Ole Avei (Reds, 178cm, 110kg, 13/06/83)
Either that or one of Australia's surplus Props may start looking at a positional change, but that doesn't mean you Trestle
Benn Robinson may have the mobility to have a shot?
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Don't you worry, Mcisaac will come back into form, buggered why he has gone off though...
Proudly bought to you by a brewery somewhere....
Trouble is he is already turning 32 this year frontrow. As a late starter you may argue he has a bit longer than other 32 year olds, but not much. I would think another two year contract (2009) will see his days out.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.