Eight All Blacks players retire from the squad
Rugby World Cup: Swag of departing legends leave a big hole in All Blacks stock after 2023 Rugby World Cup.
With the 2023 Rugby World Cup done and dusted, eight All Blacks players have confirmed their retirement from the New Zealand squad.
Despite being the most experienced and capped team at the Rugby World Cup, the All Blacks felt short after being edged 12-11 by the Springboks in an epic final at the Stade de France.
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EIGHT ALL BLACKS PLAYERS RETIRE FROM THE NEW ZEALAND SQUAD
Both teams headed into the finals with bullish records, only losing in the pool stages. However, in the final, Handre Pollard was the difference as he managed to convert all the penalties that came his way.
On the other hand, the New Zealanders were not clinical on goal, as they missed two penalties, which took a toll on the result. Against the defeat, eight players have confirmed their retirement from the New Zealand squad.
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The players who will be retiring include:
Sam Whitelock
He retires at the age of 35 and has had 152 test matches. He goes down in the history books as one of the most capped All Blacks players.
Aaron Smith
He retires as a legend. The 34-year-old has had 124 test games for the All Blacks and has been influential in the squad.
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Beauden Barrett
The 32-year-old star hopes to return after his on-season deal with Verblitz in Japan. He has had 122 test matches for the All Blacks.
Brodie Retallick
Retallick bows out with 108 test matches for the All Blacks. The 32-year-old lock will have a new chapter in Japan with Kobelco Steelers.
Dane Coles
He is hanging his boots at 36 years old. Coles has had 90 test appearances for the All Blacks.
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Richie Mo’unga
The 29-year-old retires with 55 test appearances for the All Blacks. He will be joining Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan.
Nepo Laulala
The 32-year-old will be bowing out with 32 test matches and joining Toulouse in France. Also departing is Shannon Frizell—the 29-year-old bows out with 32 test matches for the All Blacks. 24-year-old Leicester Fainga’anuku is bowing out with seven test appearances.