Newstalk ZB
Awhina Tangen-Wainohu’s rugby career has been cut short. The 10-test Black Ferns prop has been forced to retire due to a neck injury which forced her out of the Black Ferns’ Pacific Four Series earlier this year. “Sometimes the game you love doesn’t love you back,” Tangen-Wainohu said in a social media post. “My neck scans have shown that staying in the game could cost more than the game gives. So I have to hang the boots up, but I am grateful my tinana is still in one piece. “Ngā mihi rugby, for a life I never imagined, for everything you gave to my whānau and I. To every team, coach, kaiako, and teammate, you shaped this journey. Forever grateful.” The 28-year-old was ruled out of the Pacific Four Series ahead of the opening game against the United States after reaggravating a previous neck injury. Her decision to retire comes after receiving further assessment on the issue. “Awhina is a talented front-rower who has consistently shown what’s possible through resilience and determination,” Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen said. “She’s been instrumental in helping us shape this new era of Black Ferns. She has approached an incredibly tough decision with mana and optimism; we thank her for everything she has given to this team. Awhina will always be part of this group, and we know she will continue to contribute to the legacy of our people. For that, we are grateful.” Tangen-Wainohu was part of the World Cup-winning Black Ferns squad in 2022, but was forced out of the game for two years due to her neck injury. She returned to test rugby in 2025 and made two appearances in the World Cup in England. “Awhina has overcome many challenges in her rugby journey, and it’s been inspiring to witness her return to the Black Ferns over the past year,” New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster said. “On behalf of NZR, I’d like to thank Awhina for her outstanding contribution to women’s rugby, both on the field and through her mentorship off it. We recognise this hasn’t been an easy decision, and we wish her all the best for the future.”
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