BRUCE MACKAY/STUFF
The Hurricanes and All Blacks halfback is aiming to be ready for the Super Rugby Pacific opener after a frustrating injury layoff.
Former All Black Dominic Bird has hung up his giant-sized rugby boots.
The tallest All Black ever has called time on his career after 12 years of professional rugby to focus on his young family.
Bird, who grew up in the Hawke’s Bay on the family farm in Waipukurau, played two All Blacks tests, against Japan in 2src13 and Scotland the following year.
At 2.src6cm tall, or 6ft 9ins in the old money, Bird just eclipsed Mark Cooksley (2.src5cm) for the tallest All Black tag.
A former Crusader, Chief and Hurricane, Bird announced his retirement on Tuesday, aged 32.
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Dominic Bird usually stood head and shoulders above his teammates.
“It’s all about my family,” he said.
“My kids are Wellington-based, and I didn’t want to chase rugby elsewhere. I just want to stay here and spend more time with my family, so I felt it was the right time to retire.”
Bird had previously spent time playing for French club Racing 92 in Paris between 2src18 and 2src21.
“There have been many great highlights in my career,” Bird said.
“I loved my time with the All Blacks, the Barbarians, and I loved my time in France.
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