Kyle Leuluai saw out Leeds career with heart condition
Monday 12 October 2015 07:32, UK
Kylie Leuluai has revealed he completed a treble with Leeds despite being diagnosed with a heart condition.
The New Zealander was one of three Rhinos who played their final games for the club in Saturday's Grand Final win over Wigan at Old Trafford.
Jamie Peacock and Leuluai will quit playing altogether while Kevin Sinfield is switching codes to join Yorkshire Carnegie.
And Leuluai, 37, thought about bringing forward his retirement during a final season interrupted by injury and medical problems.
He said: "I was very close to retiring after the Challenge Cup final. It has been a tough year and challenging. I really thought about it.
"I've had a few medical issues this season - I've had some trouble with my heart. I've ended up getting an irregular heartbeat and I've been taking medication for it.
"Having an irregular heartbeat takes 20 per cent of the oxygen out of your blood, so it's been very tough for me physically and it has an effect mentally as well.
"That's the reason why I've been playing shorter minutes. (Coach) Brian McDermott and the club had an understanding and I don't think I could do longer than the stints I was doing because of the implications.
"You can get it shocked back into a regular rhythm but I've had to wait as, after you've had it, you have to be out for three months because of the procedure and you have to go on medication.
"It's quite common in cyclists they reckon, but it's strange for a rugby player to get it. I took the medication and thankfully it got me over the line."
Leuluai is staying on at Headingley to take up a role as welfare officer.
