Faiva forced to end his playing days

NEWCASTLE Red Bulls hooker Hame Faiva has thanked the club and its supporters after announcing his retirement from rugby.

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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, 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.