By CHRIS RATTUE
Robin Brooke intends to quit his rugby playing career at the end of the 2001 season.
The champion former All Black lock, who turns 34 tomorrow, wants to be involved in one more Super 12 and NPC campaign before moving on to other things.
Brooke's career went the way of a yo-yo this year after he was initially dropped by Auckland NPC coach Wayne Pivac.
He was recalled and showed he was still one of the best locks in the country during the NPC, although age obviously counted against him when it came to All Black selection time.
There were even rumours flying around that the veteran test lock might be recruited by the Highlanders, but Blues coach Gordon Hunter will not discard his captain after such a strong NPC season.
While Brooke is desperate for another year of rugby, he is unconcerned about whether he leads the Blues again, although he enjoyed the captaincy this year.
"I was happy with the way I played in the NPC, although since I've been out of the All Blacks I don't really go round comparing myself to other players any more," he said.
"I was disappointed the way Auckland finished, but I really enjoyed the NPC and I'm eager to play one more season.
"My intentions at this stage are to give it away after that."
Rugby: Brooke names date of his rugby retirement
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