Grace Steinmetz has retired from rugby, after receiving medical advice that it would be unsafe to continue playing.
The three-test Black Fern and Chiefs Manawa player put out a post on Instagram saying it was "not how I pictured my rugby career coming to an end."
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"Scans have come back showing a brain injury that means I need to hang the boots up, medically retire and never play rugby again. Grateful that my health is still intact and we found out before it was too late.
"This game and the people within it have done SO much for me, and I am super grateful for the last seven years I have had in this sport.
"Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey and supported me along the way. I will understand one day."
The 26-year-old represented Wellington and Canterbury at FPC level, after being a part of the national Sevens programme.
At the Chiefs Manawa, she played in two Super Rugby Aupiki finals and she also spent time in Japan playing Sevens.
Steinmetz is engaged to Chiefs player Rameka Poihipi.
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