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Tana Umaga Calls it Quits

TANA Umaga closed the book yesterday on an international career which made him arguably the most successful captain in All Blacks history when he announced his retirement from Test rugby.

"After the achievements last year and the development that is going on within the team, it is a good time to step down. I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and to putting something back into Wellington rugby, the Hurricanes and the community."

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Another shocker aiye? Especially with the world cup just a year and a half away? I woudl'nt quite compare his retirement to that of Roy Keanes which came like a thunder bolt outta nowhere. In Umaga's case however, he's choosen to retire on a high, after leading the all black to a grand slam in 2005. You can hardly fault the man for choosing to spend more time at home with his family as his kids grow up.

You can't even fault the timing of his announcement. He's giving the Blacks ample time to regroup and to adjust to life after Umaga unlike Keane. I've got a feeling the Blacks will get on just fine even without Umaga leading the charge. Richie McCaw gets my vote to be assigned captain.

Check out the Telegraph's Slideshow of his Career.

Advance of an All Black hero

Born: 27 May 1973.

Height: 6ft 1in (1.87m ).

Test record: 74 (21 as captain) caps; 36 tries.

Position: Centre.

1992: Played for Junior Kiwis (rugby league) before switching to rugby union.

1994: Makes provincial debut for Wellington. Represents New Zealand Colts.

1997: Scores try in Test debut against Fiji.

1999: Appears in World Cup in Britain where New Zealand finish fourth.

2000: Plays at outside centre after 18 Tests on wing.

2004: Becomes first player of Pacific Island extraction to captain All Blacks.

2005: Leads All Blacks to 3-0 series sweep against the British and Irish Lions, and second Grand Slam in history in British Isles.