Former All Black Dominic Bird has hung up his giant-sized rugby boots.
The tallest All Black ever has known as time on his profession after 12 years {of professional} rugby to give attention to his young household.
Bird, who grew up within the Hawke’s Bay on the household farm in Waipukurau, performed two All Blacks assessments, towards Japan in 2013 and Scotland the next 12 months.
At 2.06cm tall, or 6ft 9ins within the old money, Bird simply eclipsed Mark Cooksley (2.05cm) for the tallest All Black tag.
A former Crusader, Chief and Hurricane, Bird introduced his retirement on Tuesday, aged 32.
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Dominic Bird normally stood head and shoulders above his teammates.
“It’s all about my family,” he mentioned.
“My kids are Wellington-based, and I didn’t want to chase rugby elsewhere. I just want to stay here and spend more time with my family, so I felt it was the right time to retire.”
Bird had beforehand hung out taking part in for French membership Racing 92 in Paris between 2018 and 2021.
“There have been many great highlights in my career,” Bird mentioned.
“I loved my time with the All Blacks, the Barbarians, and I loved my time in France.
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Dominic Bird played two tests for the All Blacks, against Japan and Scotland.
“But winning my seventh NPC medal with Wellington in 2022 is right up there.
“Playing with the group we had and the classy rugby we put out there, it was amazing, and I’ll never forget it.”
Ironically, Bird’s last match was Wellington’s 25-24 loss to his home province – that he by no means represented at senior stage – Hawke’s Bay.
Bird studied at Lincoln University, from the place he graduated with a diploma in environmental science. It was there he additionally linked up with the Crusaders Academy.
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Dominic Bird began his 12-year skilled profession with Canterbury.
Bird made his Super Rugby debut in 2013 for the Crusaders after his Canterbury debut in 2011.
He gained three consecutive NPC titles with Canterbury in his first three seasons.
Despite the plain household benefits of not being slowed down with the lifetime of an expert athlete, Bird may see one other silver lining to calling time on his vastly profitable profession – no extra health assessments.
“But I’m also pleased I don’t have to do any more broncos,” he quipped.
