Blues player Cameron Suafoa retires after terminal cancer diagnosis

Blues loose forward Cameron Suafoa has delivered the heartbreaking news that his sarcoma is now terminal.

In a video posted to social media, Suafoa said he would begin chemotherapy in the coming days.

The Instagram clip was shared by many of his teammates, while others across the rugby community also posted messages of support.

Suafoa said he had decided to retire from professional rugby after learning the cancer had spread.

“I was told the unfortunate news that my cancer had spread and it was terminal now,” he told viewers.

“Unfortunately I won’t be playing but I’ll be going through a different type of battle soon.”

The 27-year-old was first diagnosed with sarcoma - a rare form of cancer affecting the connective tissue of his back - in November 2023.

Suafoa continued training and even played twice for the Blues while undergoing radiation treatment for six weeks between February and April in 2024.

He was declared cancer-free in May 2024. He played a total of six games in the Blues’ title-winning season, while also featuring for North Harbour in the NPC.

Suafoa established himself as a key player in the Blues squad in 2025, playing in seven matches before revealing in May the sarcoma had returned.

He underwent intensive surgery to remove the tumour.

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“In the surgery, they removed the tumour itself along with three ribs,” Suafoa said.

“They had to shave down the spinal vertebrae and then yeah, fused my spine and it was I think originally it was meant to be like three or four hours and it ended up being nine hours.

“I was pretty stubborn in terms of the recovery time. I was trying to leave the hospital as fast as I could and not understanding how severe the whole procedure was or how my body was reacting to it so there’s a few times I fainted and ended up looking at the roof again.”

A heart-warming video of Suafoa in hospital showed him celebrating the Blues’ shock win over the Chiefs in their finals match last year.

Last month, Suafoa married his long-term partner Britt Hastings-Kutty.

While Suafoa has been unable to play this season, he was granted a medical dispensation to be involved with the Blues.

He thanked everybody for their support over the years.

“Even just when I’m walking around the stadium or going to get a coffee and people reach out,” Suafoa said.

“I’ve definitely appreciated everything like that, all the love everyone’s shown. It means a lot and helps me get through some pretty pretty dark days.”

He said he will continue to be the Blues’ No 1 fan.

Suafoa has made over 30 appearances for the Blues and North Harbour while appearing for the Māori All Blacks in 2022.

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.