Blues forward Cameron Suafoa announced his retirement from rugby aged 27 on Friday, after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Suafoa was first diagnosed with cancer in November 2023 and received six weeks of radiation treatment after a tumour was removed from his back.
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He returned to rugby in 2024, playing for provincial side North Harbour, before returning to the Blues in Super Rugby last year.
Suafoa received a second cancer diagnosis at the end of the Blues' 2025 season.
"I've decided to finish playing rugby officially, decided to retire, the unfortunate news that my cancer had spread and it was terminal now," Suafoa said in a video released by the Blues rugby team.
"I will be going through a different type of battle soon so I start having chemo in the coming days."
The 27-year-old debuted for the Blues in 2022, going on to play for the Maori All Blacks that year against Ireland.
He finishes his career with 31 games for the Blues, last playing in April 2025 against the Crusaders before the reoccurance.
"Being a part of the Blues has been a dream come true. I will forever be grateful for all the franchise has done for me and my family. This franchise is something special and it’s been an honour to wear this jersey," he added. "Thank you for all the memories, Blues #333 signing out x."
