New Zealand: All Blacks winger Jeff Wilson said yesterday he was taking a break from all levels of rugby because he was no longer able to dedicate himself to the sport.
"I'm not saying I'm retiring, all I'm saying is that I want a bit of space and time to myself to pursue other things in my life," Wilson (26) said. "It has been a privilege to play for New Zealand. But at this stage, I do not want to be considered for selection for the All Blacks," Wilson said.
His decision rules him out of the Tri-Nations series against Australia and South Africa in July.
Wilson said the death of his father Bill two years ago had affected his game and was one of the reasons he would now mothball his career. "I need the time to come to terms with that and with what I want to do with the rest of my life."
Wilson said he had no plans to leave his southern home town of Dunedin, nor had he decided to resume his cricket career. The double international last played cricket for New Zealand in a 1993 four-match series against Australia. He has played 54 tests for the All Blacks, scoring 39 tries. His autobiography will be published later this year.
Super 12: Meanwhile, the ACT Brumbies clinched home advantage in the final of the Super 12 Series with a hard-fought 28-5 semi-final victory over the Golden Cats at Bruce Stadium. In the other semi-final, the Canterbury Crusaders cruised to a comfortable 37-15 victory over fellow New Zealand side Otago Highlanders.
Canada: Canada, who meet Ireland next month, beat Tonga 2911 in Vancouver on Saturday to win a game in the Epson Cup Pacific Rim tournament for the first time in almost two years. Philip Murphy, one of the seven Canadians playing his first international match, and Morgan Williams, earning his sixth cap, scored tries. Winston Stanley, playing in his 38th game, also scored a try.
South Africa: Andre Vos was named South Africa's new captain when Springbok coach Nick Mallett announced a 28-man squad for the Tests against Canada and England next month.
Cats number eight Vos succeeded Joost van der Westhuizen, who stood down earlier this week to concentrate on his recovery from a knee injury.
Twelve players, including the most capped Springbok Mark Andrews, prop Os du Randt and hooker Naka Drotske were omitted.
South Africa Squad: Backs: P Montgomery, T Delport, B Paulse, P Rossouw, C Williams, D Kayser, R Fleck, G Esterhuizen, J Mulder, D W Barry, L Koen, B van Straaten, J van der Westhuizen, W Swanepoel. Forwards: A Vos (capt), R Erasmus, A Venter, C Krige, W Brosnihan, K Otto, S Boome, A van den Berg, C Visagie, W Meyer, R Kempson, C Marais, J Smit, O le Roux.
