New Zealand rugby player Cameron Suafoa has announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 27 after revealing that his cancer is now terminal. The former Maori All Blacks forward, who plays for the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific, shared the heartbreaking news in an emotional video interview posted by the club on social media.
Suafoa was initially diagnosed with sarcoma in November 2023 and stepped back from rugby in April 2024 to undergo treatment. He had a rare cancerous tumour removed from his back, along with three ribs and part of his spine. Despite returning to play later in 2024 with North Harbour, he received a fresh diagnosis last year and was told the cancer had spread.
“I was told the unfortunate news that my cancer has spread, and it was terminal now,” Suafoa said in the video. “I’ve decided to finish playing rugby officially. I’ll be going through a different type of battle soon. I start having chemo in the coming days.” He expressed deep gratitude to the Blues, saying the team “holds a special place in my heart.”
The blindside flanker had previously undergone major surgeries, including a nine-hour operation to remove a tumour between his ribs. “I had three ribs removed, also my spine was shaved down,” he explained. “I had to have a couple of steel rods and screws put in to stabilise my back.”
Suafoa’s retirement marks the end of a promising career cut short by illness. The rugby community has rallied around him, with the Blues and fans offering support as he begins chemotherapy.
