Dane Haylett-Petty has given up on his dream of a return to top-level rugby almost a year after suffering a serious head knock against the All Blacks.
Wallabies utility back Dane Haylett-Petty has retired after failing to overcome an almost year-long battle against the effects of concussion.
As recently as June, when his career with the Melbourne Rebels came to an end and he was not offered another deal by Rugby Australia, the 32-year-old was adamant he would play again professionally, with a rumoured stint in Japan on the cards.
But on Sunday, the 38-Test veteran announced his retirement on social media, saying it was “not the way I wanted to finish”.
While Haylett-Petty’s statement did not officially mention concussion, he has waged an almost year-long battle to play again after suffering a head knock in a Bledisloe Cup match against the All Blacks in October last year.
“I would have loved to run out just one more time, but it wasn’t to be,” Haylett-Petty said on Instagram.
Haylett-Petty, who played most of his Tests on the wing or at fullback, did not play at all during the 2021 Super Rugby season with the Rebels while battling long-term concussion effects.
While he played club rugby for Queensland Premier Rugby club GPS in May, he was unable to transition back to Super Rugby level given the lingering effects of the head knock on his health.
He was released by the Rebels at the end of the season, with Rugby Australia also declining to make him a top-up offer.
At his best, Haylett-Petty is a matchwinner and would have been a useful addition to Dave Rennie’s Spring Tour squad if fully fit given the Wallabies’ skinny options at fullback.
But the new father is looking forward to new challenges.
“Rugby has given me so much and for that I am forever grateful,” Haylett-Petty said in a post on Instagram.
“The experiences, the opportunities, the challenges and the lifelong friendships.
“Thank you to all the teams who gave me an opportunity, and whose jerseys I wore with pride.
“I close this chapter with so many amazing memories, and special friends all over the world.”
Australian rugby stars were quick to respond, with former teammates including Quade Cooper, Samu Kerevi, Will Genia and Reece Hodge, former Wallabies captain James Horwill and Olympic sevens gold medallist Charlotte Caslick paying their regards, while the Western Force, Melbourne Rebels and Wallabies also paid tribute.
Originally published as All the latest Wallabies, Australian rugby news and results
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