Hame Faiva announces retirement from rugby

Newcastle Red Bulls hooker Hame Faiva has thanked the club and its supporters on the day he announced his retirement from rugby.

The 31-year-old has called time on a career which has seen him at the top end of the game for more than a decade, proudly representing the Italian national team as well as playing for Waikato, The Blues, Benetton, The Hurricanes, Worcester Warriors, Bath Rugby and, most recently, Newcastle Red Bulls.

“Coming to Newcastle during such an exciting time for the club has been phenomenal,” said Faiva, who is retiring on injury grounds having played his last game away to Saracens in November.

“What Red Bull has done here so far – and it’s still only in its early stages – has been unbelievable, as has the welcome I’ve received from all the boys.

“Not just the players, but all the coaches, staff and supporters up here. They have made me feel such a part of the place since the first day I arrived.”

Having played ten times for Italy, including in the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup, during his career, Faiva has nothing but positive memories from his time on Tyneside, despite having it cut short.

He said: “I love Newcastle as a place because I like the quieter kind of life, and my family and I are really grateful for the time we got to spend here.

“The opportunity to represent such a historic club has been an honour, and I wish nothing but the best for the Red Bulls and our fans.

“Our supporters make the players’ role even more special, and despite the club having gone through some difficult times you guys have come out rain, hail or shine to inspire us.

“My family and I are forever grateful for that. And for all the people behind the scenes at the club, you don’t get the public recognition, but we as players see all the work you do to keep the wheels turning and to make this such a special place.

“I hope you all – fans, players and staff - enjoy the next part of the Newcastle Red Bulls story, because it’s going to be super exciting.

“I’ll be watching on from afar, and if one good thing comes out of my retirement it’s the fact that other players will be able to come in and have this incredible experience.”

Sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: “Hame is an outstanding character who can look back on a fantastic career, and it has been a pleasure having him as part of our group.

“It is obviously very sad to see him step away on injury grounds, but you can see from his comments what a quality individual he is. Despite such a major blow his first thought is for other people, and the respect he has within our group demonstrates how highly he is regarded.

“I know I will speak for everybody here when I thank Hame for his contribution on the field and behind the scenes, and I have no doubt that whichever direction he chooses, he will go on to succeed in his life after rugby.”