The Blues and Maori All Blacks lock Cameron Suafoa has announced his retirement from rugby after being given a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Suafoa, 27, had stepped away from the sport in 2024 to undergo treatment before returning to action later that year with North Harbour in the National Provincial Championship.
The second row was given a fresh diagnosis last year, though, and has now been informed that his cancer has spread and is terminal. He made 31 appearances for the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific.
“I just wanted to give you a little bit of an update on my situation,” Suafoa said in a video released by the Blues on social media. “I’ve decided to finish playing rugby officially.
“I was told the unfortunate news that my cancer has spread, and it was terminal now. Unfortunately, I won’t be playing, but I’ll be going through a different type of battle soon. I start having chemo in the coming days.
“This team definitely holds a special place in my heart. I was born and raised in Auckland, and was lucky enough to play for the Blues and be here for a few years. I’ve loved every minute of playing and just being in the environment, and everything about this union and this club.”
Suafoa played for the Maori All Blacks against Ireland in Hamilton in June 2022. He is an ambassador for the New Zealand Sarcoma Foundation.
