Chiefs Prop Ben Afeaki Retires Due to Concussion Fears

Chiefs prop and one-time All Black Ben Afeaki has announced his retirement from rugby after suffering multiple concussions in recent years, as was reported by the New Zealand Herald.

At just 27 years old, Afeaki's decision is not insignificant, as he had plenty of rugby left in him. It comes just weeks after NFL player Chris Borland retired for similar reasons after his rookie season.

Afeaki played his last game of Super Rugby in February 2014, a game in which he left the field with concussion. After returning to practice he sustained another one and has not made his way back to the field.

Today he stated that he will not return, feeling that this was the best decision for his "long-term health."

Just as Borland's retirement acted as a wake-up call for the NFL, this will be an eye-opener for the world rugby community. Of course, concussion has been an issue for a long time in rugby, but while measures have been put in place to limit its impact, there is still the feeling it is not being taken as seriously as it could be.

Afeaki's retirement should sent out a message: Talented players are leaving the game early because they see it as a risk to their health. If teams are not going to start taking the concussion protocol seriously, there needs to be stricter procedures put in place. Players should not be returning to the field after an obvious head knock. Otherwise more players like Afeaki will decide to opt out of the game.

There was a time when Afeaki was being touted as a potential All Black regular. A big, mobile prop, Afeaki was a dynamic player capable of making big impact plays. He was strong at set-piece time, too, and had a reasonable work rate in the open.

After some impressive form in 2011, many were expecting big things from him in 2012. A broken arm in the first game of the season saw him miss a long period and by the time he returned, Sona Taumalolo and Ben Tameifuna had impressed so much he could not regain his spot in the starting lineup.

He had some good performances off the bench over the ensuing two seasons, providing impact which was important in the Chiefs' championship wins of 2012 and 2013.

In 2013 he won his only All Black cap, but he never quite fulfilled the promise he showed as a youngster. He potentially had his best years ahead of him, too; props often do not peak until around the age of 30. 

You cannot fault him for his decision, though. At the end of the day, we all have to put our health first.