Rugby: Alofa forced to quit after neck injury

Manawatu prop Daniel Alofa has been forced to retire from rugby following a neck injury he suffered in the opening match of this year's Air New Zealand Cup competition.

Manawatu Rugby Union chief executive Hadyn Smith said it was Alofa's second such injury and that he had accepted medical opinions not to play again.

Daniel suffered the injury against Waikato on July 26. He was treated at the ground and taken to hospital.

"Daniel was a senior member of the Turbos and has been a huge part of our professional programme since it kicked off in 2006. Any loss of a player in this fashion is disappointing but fortunately very rare," Smith said.

"This union is very proud of his contribution to our development and the culture."

Manawatu team manager John Knowles said Alofa was advised by his specialist to stop playing as the injury was too risky.

"It is sad for us and sad for him."

Auckland's former All Black hooker Derren Witcombe also announced this week that he was giving up rugby on medical advice after he suffered a second neck injury in the first round of the competition.

The 28-year-old five-test All Black was injured when a scrum collapsed against Counties-Manukau.

Hawke's Bay flanker Nui Bartlett, now 24, suffered a neck injury when a maul collapsed in the competition's opening round last year and he ended up at the Burwood Spinal Unit.

- NZPA