Blues rookie Baden Wardlaw has announced his immediate retirement from rugby because of a historic medical condition.
The 29-year-old was set to debut in the 2020 season after signing with the Blues, but medical checks showed that he has three fused vertebrae in his neck, and after further tests and extensive expert opinions, the advice was that he should not play rugby again.
Wardlaw said he was born with the condition but had always played sport and been active throughout his life. He played a key role in the success of the Bay of Plenty's Steamers team who won promotion to the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership this year, which earned him a Blues contract.
"I thought I had finally made it," Wardlaw said.
"This was my dream to play for the Blues. I have had the fused vertebrae since birth, and it has not stopped me doing anything.
"But to then receive this news that I should give up rugby for the rest of my life is hard to come to grips with.
"The medical people have gone to a number of specialists, and they have all said the same thing. That is, if I got a knock in the wrong position, I could end up as a tetraplegic, or worse, I could die.
"I need to be thankful that this was found out, although right now, I am still gutted because this was my dream."
Blues coach Leon MacDonald said he felt for Wardlaw who was set to become the oldest rookie in the Blues side.
"Baden has worked so hard and impressed us with his work ethic and quality of play. We are bitterly disappointed for him but at the same time this is a very serious condition which may have been life-threatening," he said.
Wardlaw said fitness had always been an interest, and he will to move into strength and conditioning training as a way of remaining involved in sport.
The Blues will announce a replacement player in the near future.
