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Former Maori All black people captain Kurt Eklund has announced his sudden retirement from rugby due to a neck injury.
The 82-cap Blues whore, who has not appeared on the field since the 14th round Super Rugby Pacific season, made the announcement ahead of the final match of the Bay of Plenty NPC round.
Eklund, 34, was a key figure in the Blues’ winning season in 2024, which earned him All Blacks XV call and beyond Maori all black honors before assuming the captaincy of the latter team in 2025.
A 50-cap Bay of Plenty Steamer’s larger-than-life whore persona was evident in each of his team settings. His departure from the Blues was hinted at earlier this year, when pen was put to paper on a deal with the Leon MacDonald-led Canon Eagles. Eklund was set to arrive in Kanagawa alongside former All Blacks Stephen Perofeta and Samipeni Finau, among others, before his injuries intervened.
“That’s all she wrote,” Eklund said in a post shared on social media on Saturday.
“I’ve been struggling with neck injuries for the last few years and I’ve been told it’s in my best interest to retire. That’s what I’m going to do.”
“If you had told a 10-year-old me that I would be able to achieve everything I have, I would have thought you were joking. I just want to take this time to thank all the teams, players, management and especially the fans for coming with me on this journey and creating some of the memories I will never forget.
“Kurtye is checking out.”
Among the flood of comments on the post, former All Blacks captain Sam Cane branded Eklund a “top man”, while Du’Plessis Kirifi called him “one of the greats”. Ruben Love thanked Eklund for making him welcome on the first day of the Maori All Blacks camp in 2022, saying: “He’ll never forget. Respect bro!”
Naito’s close friend and Bay of Plenty teammate Ah Kuoi dedicated an Instagram post to Eklund’s career and character.
“He led, we followed him”, Bosses lock wrote.
“One of the best teammates I ever had who I will forever call my brother. He always brought out the best in everyone and was always willing to do whatever it took to help. You led your merciless and brutal actions and gave whatever it took to win. A true testament to the man you are.”
“I’m devastated that your rugby journey has been cut short, but I’m so grateful to have shared the field with you, lad. You’re the epitome of warrior spirit and you’ve always been there to lend a helping hand off the field, no matter what it was like.”
I can’t wait to make more memories off the field and see you in your next life chapter! I love you Rodin.”
Off the field, Eklund is a passionate advocate for the marine environment, with a social media presence centered around his love of fishing.
