16 June 2020

New Zealand lock Charmaine Smith forced to retire through injury

New Zealand lock Charmaine Smith has been forced to retire from the sport due to a neck injury.

The World Cup winner had a scan which revealed a bulging disc and doctors advised Smith it would be too risky to continue to play.

Cate Sexton, New Zealand Rugby’s Head of Women’s Rugby, said: "It’s obviously hugely disappointing for her, the Black Ferns and fans, but it’s the right thing to do and she has the backing of her medical team, her family and team-mates.

“Charmaine also has a career in the New Zealand Police as a sergeant, which is equally important to her. Fortunately, her injury won’t impact her policing role and she will continue to serve her community outside of rugby."

Smith made her debut for the Black Ferns in 2015. She has gone on to be capped 27 times and has scored 20 points for New Zealand.

At club level she represented North Harbour and Auckland in the Farah Palmer Cup.

Smith added: “I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me, encouraged me and been a part of my rugby career.

“We never own a Black Ferns jersey, we’re only caretakers of the jersey until we aren’t any more. 

"I really hope that I’ve left the jersey in a better place than where I picked it up. I hope that whoever picks it up in the future picks it up from where I left off and takes it even further.”

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