The St Helens half-back Lance Hohaia is retiring from rugby league with immediate effect due to “recurrent post-match concussion-type symptoms”.
The Super League champions initially released a brief statement simply detailing that the 32-year-old was retiring without elaborating the reasons behind the decision.
However, in a statement released to the BBC on Wednesday night, Hohaia, 32, a World Cup winner with New Zealand, revealed the symptoms have come about since returning to play for Saints this season.
He played just two minutes of last year’s Super League Grand Final after being punched twice by Ben Flower. The Wigan prop was sent off and handed a record six-month ban for the incident.
Hohaia told the BBC: “I am currently seeking expert medical advice to understand potential effects to my long-term health.
He added: “However, in the meantime I would like to say that I am extremely grateful for the career I have had and the opportunity to play for my country and such prestigious clubs as St Helens and the New Zealand Warriors.
“I would also like to sincerely thank all those who have supported my throughout my career and during this difficult time.”
Hohaia was hit with a one-match ban for striking Flower during the opening minutes of the Grand Final, before the Welsh international retaliated.
The New Zealand international has played just eight times for St Helens since being forced off so early in the club’s Grand Final victory last October.
He joined the club in 2012 from NRL side New Zealand Warriors and made 80 appearances for the club, as well as earning 28 caps at international level for the Kiwis.
Earlier, a statement from St Helens relating to Hohaia’s retirement simply explained: “St Helens announce that Lance Hohaia has informed us of his retirement from rugby league and will therefore not play for the Club again.
“Lance has been a valued and integral member of the squad for the last three-and-a-half years and we thank him for his service.
“We wish him and his family well in their life after rugby league with St Helens.
“St Helens will make no further comment on this matter.”
