Darwin forced to retire

Australia prop Ben Darwin today announced the neck injury he suffered in the Wallabies’ World Cup semi-final victory over New Zealand had forced him to retire from rugby.

Darwin was caught in a collapsed scrum early in the second half at Telstra Stadium on November 15 and lay motionless on the turf after losing all feeling from the neck down for three minutes.

Doctors later diagnosed a prolapsed disc had touched his spinal cord sending it into shock and although the 27-year-old escaped permanent injury, his career was finished.

“Upon review of my injury the doctors have decided that it is necessary for me to retire from rugby,” Darwin announced today.

“There was no decision for me to make. The doctors’ advice was very clear.”

Darwin was able to walk out of hospital later that week, albeit in a heavy neck brace, and presented his Australia team-mates with their jerseys in a ceremony before the World Cup final defeat to England.

Darwin reserved special thanks to Kees Meeuws, the All Blacks prop who stopped pushing when he heard the desperate cries of “neck, neck, neck” from his opposite number.

“Thank you to Kees Meeuws, who in a selfless act, may have saved my life,” said Darwin in an emotional statement.

He retires with no regrets. After making his Australia debut against the British Lions in 2001, Darwin went on to win 28 caps and featured in the Wallabies’ successive Bledisloe Cup triumphs of 2001 and 2002.

“As a 15 year old, I had a Wallaby jersey on my wall and dreamed of playing for my country. Having achieved this goal I can retire knowing I have made the young man in me happy,” he said.

“Rugby is a great game, and I was very fortunate to be involved in a World Cup at home. Playing for the Wallabies and being a part of the World Cup at home has been the greatest honour of my life.

“Accidents sometimes happen in life and in sport, so I don’t regret playing the game at all. It has provided me with countless friends and contacts that I will have for life.

“Whilst the injury itself was difficult, there have been some enormous positives. The support that I have received from friends, family, the rugby community and the general public has been both amazing and humbling.

“It has given me a new perspective on the value of family, friendships, and simply enjoying the day-to-day experiences that life has to offer.

“I will miss the people that I was coached by, and played with.”

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones, who coached Darwin at the ACT Brumbies, paid tribute to his commitment and determination.

“It was great to see someone who worked hard to maximise their potential and that is testament to Ben’s character,” said Jones.

“He developed into one the foremost tight-head props in Australia.”