All Blacks Icon Kieran Read Announces Retirement
Former New Zealand Captain Calls Time on Illustrious Rugby Career
Updated May 15, 2021 | 1 min read | WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)
Legendary All Blacks captain Kieran Read has announced his retirement from rugby, bringing an end to a glittering career that spanned over a decade and included two World Cup titles.
Read, 35, made the announcement on social media, thanking his family, teammates, and fans for their support throughout his career. He said the decision to retire was "not an easy one," but it was the right time for him to step away from the game.
Read played 128 Tests for the All Blacks, making him the fifth-most capped player in the team's history. He also led the team to victory at the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups, becoming one of only two players to captain New Zealand to multiple World Cup titles.
In addition to his international success, Read also enjoyed a stellar career with the Canterbury Crusaders in Super Rugby, winning five titles with the team. He was named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2013 and was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2020.
Read's retirement marks the end of an era for New Zealand rugby. He was a key figure in the team's success over the past decade and his leadership and experience will be sorely missed.
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