Former All Black Aaron Mauger has announced his immediate retirement in Britain after failing to recover from a persistent back injury.
Mauger, 29, had been due to leave Leicester Tigers at the end of the northern hemisphere season in a bid to break back into the New Zealand team aheadof the 2011 World Cup.
But he has been forced to hang up his boots after losing his battle to return to full fitness, the Leicester Mercury newspaper reported.
"It is with great reluctance and disappointment that, due to ongoing complications with a back injury sustained 12 months ago, I announce my retirement from the game today," said Mauger, who scored eight tries in 53 appearances for the Tigers.
"After many different specialist treatments in the UK and Germany, along with an intense rehab plan with the club medical staff at Leicester Tigers, I have been unable to regain full fitness and participate in full team training and games without re-injuring myself.
"Unfortunately retiring now seems the last but only realistic option available".
"I am gutted to be finishing my playing career many years before I had planned. This scenario also means I will have to let go of my aspirations of returning to play in New Zealand and my desire to compete for an All Black jersey again.
"I plan to stay involved in the game and look forward to some new challenges that a different role might provide for me."
Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill said the 45-test veteran had been a real asset.
"We wish him and his family well for the future when they return to New Zealand."
