South African-born Dan Haylette-Petty has retired from playing rugby after suffering a concussion. Until his retirement, Haylette-Petty had a fullback role with the Wallabies in Australia.
Haylett Petty announced his retirement on Sunday after 14 years of a successful career in rugby. The rugby player explained on Instagram that he wished he could continue playing a little longer. He wanted to end his career differently, but that was not possible.
What Caused Haylett-Petty’s Injury?
During the Bledisloe cup in October last year, 2020, Haylett-Petty suffered a concussion from a collision. The injury resulted in recurring headaches leading to him missing out on Super Rugby Season in 2021. He was the team’s skipper in Melbourne Rebels, who played in the Super Rugby Season, but he couldn’t play.
Haylett Petty’s Career Highlights
During his career, Dan Haylette-Petty managed an impressive 38 test cups. He made his debut in 2016 against England and scored three times in the 2019 world cup. Haylett-Petty also played for clubs in Japan, France and joined rugby sevens in Australia.
Haylett-Petty finishes his rugby career at only 32 years and hopes he will give back to the game in the future. The rugby player carries with him special memories from his career journey. He says he is happy to have many special friends around the world.
Through their Twitter account, the Wallabies wish Don Haylett-Petty well and congratulate him for a great career in rugby. In recent times head injuries like concussions that have a long-term impact on health have attracted attention. Former players have filed lawsuits against rugby and other governing bodies concerning such head injuries.
The players have expressed their concern about the long-term effects of such injuries. They claim that governing bodies have failed to reduce the risks of head injuries.