Blues star Cameron Suafoa has announced his retirement from professional rugby following a terminal cancer diagnosis.
In a video shared to Instagram, the 27-year-old forward shared the heartbreaking news that his battle with high-grade sarcoma had taken a turn for the worse.
"I've decided to finish playing rugby officially, and I've decided to retire," Suafoa said.
"I was told the unfortunate news that my cancer had spread, and it was terminal now"
Suafoa said he would be starting chemotherapy within the coming days.
"Unfortunately, I won't be playing, but I'll be going through a different type of battle soon."
Auckland-born Suafoa was diagnosed with sarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer which affects connective tissue in the back, in November 2023.
He continued to train whilst undergoing radiation therapy, even playing two matches for the Blues just months after surgery, before being forced to take a break.
Suafoa returned to rugby in May 2024 after he was declared cancer-free, playing six matches with the Blues in their campaign that year, but received a second cancer diagnosis in 2025.
He played a total of 31 games with the Blues throughout his career, appearing in the Māori All Blacks squad in 2022 and having stints in NPC.
Reflecting on his professional rugby journey, Suafoa said it had been a "dream come true" to wear the Blues jersey.
"This team definitely holds a special place in my heart," he said.
"I've loved every minute of playing and just being in the environment, and just everything about this union and this club.
He thanked everyone within the Blues for their support during his battle with cancer.
"I’ve appreciated everything like that, all the love everyone’s shown. It means a lot and helps me get through some pretty dark days."
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