All James Broadhurst wanted was a chance to get back on the field and capitalise on a breakout year in 2015 that saw the Hurricanes lock crack the All Blacks squad.
The 29-year-old won't get that opportunity though as a long-term battle with concussion has put a premature end to his promising career, announcing his immediate retirement from the game on Friday.
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said the last two years have been tough on Broadhurst as the thought that he may never play again slowly became a reality.
"He desperately wanted to have another crack at it," said Boyd.
"At the end of the day I think he came to the conclusion that the last bit of fog was not going away.
"2015 was his best year and post that year he got the double knock in the game between Taranaki and Wellington and he has battled with it ever since.
"He's been reluctant to convince himself that the best thing to do is pull the pin, but after a long and hard battle he has realised there is life at the other end of the rugby tunnel."
Boyd isn't sure exactly what the future holds for the 71 game Hurricane, but it will most likely feature plenty of recreation time.
"It's probably a bit early too early for him to decide what he intends to do he is a smart man and he will have a good life after rugby. He is not a bad fisherman so that will be on the list I would imagine."
The Hurricanes franchise are currently dealing with multiple injuries, including concussion concerns for midfield back Matt Proctor and prop Reggie Goodes.
Boyd believes the modern day focus on dealing with head knocks in a methodical manner is only beneficial to the players and that talk of changing tackle laws to prevent head contact is premature.
"There is already a genuine concern around head knocks. I don't think law changes will fix that and it's just a part of contact sport."
Boyd added "The concussion thing is quite topical at the moment, but whether it's a shoulder, knee or head, it is a high impact, collision sport and there will be people whose career end because of injury and some players who go through a whole career without being injured, you just have to deal with what you get dealt with."
The Hurricanes have a Super Rugby bye this weekend before hosting the Stormers next Friday night in Wellington.
Newshub.
