Virimi Vakatawa has been forced to end his professional rugby career in France due to " cardiological reasons", Racing 92's team doctor has confirmed.
In a bombshell announcement on Monday, the French side confirmed the Fijian-born centre had been forced to end his professional career. The statement referenced an unspecified medical condition, but didn't give the actual reasons for the decision. Further clarity has now emerged, which has sent shockwaves through French rugby.
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During a press conference on Tuesday, it was revealed that a "cardiac anomaly" had been spotted in the player ahead of the 2019 World Cup.
His condition has now been described by Racing 92 as "a pathology likely to put him in danger within the framework of a sports practice at high intensity".
Visibly moved, France coach Fabien Galthié, alongside Racing president Jacky Lorenzetti, coach Laurent Travers and the player himself, struggled to hold back the tears as he paid tribute to the 30-year-old, whom many consider to be one of the best players in the world.
"Fate meant that Virimi played his last three matches with the Blues in Japan, he shared with great emotion," Galthié said.
"When you play high-level rugby, you know that it's something that can happen. when you receive him with full force, it obviously affects you. He was a key player in our adventure, in our history, he was great.
"These last three matches were with us in Japan. He was great again. This example, we must share it with our children and tell them to enjoy each match as if it were the last."
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