NEW ZEALAND RUGBY

By Duane Heard

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

UMAGA QUITS INTERNATIONAL RUGBY


Tana Umaga has finally confirmed that he is to quit international rugby, the 74 times capped All Black will still play for the Hurricanes in the revamped Super 14 and Wellington Lions in the Air New Zealand Cup, he will use the time away from international rugby to be with his family.
Umaga has been instrumental for the All Blacks as they cleaned up world rugby over the last 12 months, they swept to a 3-0 series win over the the British and Irish Lions, won the Tri-Nations, the Bledisloe Cup and completed the Grand Slam against Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland.
Tana made his debut for the All Blacks in 1997 against Fiji, he played in the 1999 and 2003 world cups and lead his country on 21 occasions, in 2003 he won a fair play award from the International Olympic Committee when he came to the aid of Welsh captain Colin Charvis, who was knocked unconscious, but his reputation suffered a blow last summer after his spear-tackle on Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll in the first Test against the Lions. O'Driscoll was left with a dislocated shoulder after receiving the heavy tackle from Umaga and New Zealand hooker Keven Mealamu.
New Zealand coach Graham Henry paid tribute to his captain "Tana's legacy is immense - he has led the All Blacks with distinction and to great success, while making a major contribution to the development of All Blacks rugby and what it means to be an All Black.
"It is fitting that his record will be remembered along with the very best All Blacks' captains."

Well all i can say is Thanks and Good luck Tana!!!!!