New Zealand's Keven Mealamu will retire after the World Cup
Tuesday 25 August 2015 10:25, UK
New Zealand hooker Keven Mealamu is set to retire from rugby after the World Cup, bringing the curtain down on a 16-year top-flight career.
The 36-year-old broke Colin Meads' domestic record of 361 first-class games last year and was the third All Blacks player to attain 100 test caps.
Mealamu, who also holds the record for Super Rugby appearances at 175, has appeared 126 times for his country and will likely add to that tally at the upcoming World Cup in England.
"At the end of the year I will be looking to retire," Mealamu said.
"It has always been about the enjoyment and love of the game and ... I'm really thankful for the opportunity.
"But I am definitely hanging up the boots at the end of the year."
Mealamu made his first-class debut off the bench for Auckland in a provincial match against Northland in 1999 before making his first Super Rugby appearance in 2000.
His inaugural Test start came against Wales on the end-of-year tour in 2002.
"It is a great privilege to sit with one of our great players," New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said during a media conference at NZR headquarters.
"I have certainly enjoyed watching him grow into the fine ambassador he is for this game."
Mealamu will take on a New Zealand Rugby ambassador role to work in Auckland for at least the next two years when he does hang up his boots.
"I think the role is to help develop the game," he said. "And refresh the game up there as well.
"It's a big key to what we do around here, the rugby space for boys and girls, men and women. Being part of the club rugby initiative as well. Just being able to help with advice."
Tew said the role would range from children through to age grade representative rugby and into the professional game.
New Zealand will name their 31-man World Cup squad on Sunday.
