Former Māori All Blacks captain and Blues hooker Kurt Eklund has retired from rugby because of a neck injury.

The 32-year-old confirmed his decision in a social media post where he thanked everyone who had supported him.

“That’s all she wrote. I’ve been battling neck injuries for the past few years and I’ve been told it’s in my best interest to step away from the game, so that’s what I am going to do,” Eklund said in the post showing a montage of highlights.

Eklund appeared 75 times for the Blues and helped them win the 2024 Super Rugby title, while also appearing 53 times for Bay of Plenty and amassing 32 appearances for Auckland.

“If you’d told 10-year- old me that I’d be able to achieve all the things I’ve been able to, I would have thought you’d be joking,” he said.

The front-rower appeared seven times for the Māori All Blacks, but was named captain in the 2025 squad which played the Japan XV in Tokyo, and Scotland in Whangārei.

Tributes to Eklund flooded in on his post, including from All Black Ruben Love.

“All the best brother,” the All Blacks No 10 wrote.

“Made me feel welcomed first day Māori ABs 2022 will never forget. Respect bro!”

“Once our Skip, always our Skip,” the Bay of Plenty Instagram account commented, while current Black Fern 7s player Jaymie Kolose called him “the man”.

His father Mark also left a touching tribute in the comments.

“I sit here with tears running down my cheeks, but I couldn’t be prouder son of all that you have achieved both on and off the field,” Mark wrote.

“You’re the man and Ranger is well placed with you as his role model.

“Go attack whatever’s ahead. I’ll always be behind you mate. Love love love you.”