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Munster's Bleyendaal retires through injury

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Tyler Blyendaal (Getty Images)
Tyler Blyendaal (Getty Images)

Munster flyhalf Tyler Blyendaal has retired from professional rugby union with immediate effect due to a neck injury, the Irish province announced on Wednesday.

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Bleyendaal has been sidelined since appearing against the Ospreys in November 2019.

He first suffered neck trouble in his native New Zealand and the injury caused several interruptions to his Munster career.

Bleyendaal, who turns 30 later this month, said it was tough to admit his time as a player was over.

But the former New Zealand Under-20 international also told Munster's website it was "a medical decision, and it's the right decision".

Bleyendaal joined Munster from the Crusaders in 2015.

His 62 appearances for Munster yielded five tries and saw him kick 352 points as he helped the side reach European Champions Cup and PRO12 semi-finals.

Thanking Munster's famously passionate fans, Bleyendaal said he intended to remain in the province for a while yet.

"My wife Laura and I have been set up here in Limerick for over five years, we've a son, Bodhi, who just turned two, and we've another one on the way in a few months.

"We plan on being around for the coming period and once rugby resumes (after lockdown), I'd love to be around to go watch a game as a spectator and say my goodbyes in person."

Munster coach Johann van Graan added: "I saw Tyler for the first time playing for the Crusaders in Super Rugby and he caught my eye immediately.

"He has played a huge role for Munster Rugby, not only on the field but also off the field, and he will be sorely missed."

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