Blues lock has to put health first

• Published date: 16 April 2024
• Author: RUGBY
• Publication title: Northland Age, The

The North Harbour lock, 25, played two Super Rugby Pacific matches last month but has now decided to step aside temporarily while treatment continues for the undisclosed illness

Suafoa opened up about his medical status in a video released by the Blues, explaining how his outlook had changed since being diagnosed last November and having a tumour removed.

He played a third-round match against the Hurricanes on March 9, followed a week later by a game against the Waratahs in Sydney, which was preceded by a highly unusual buildup.

After undergoing radiation on a Friday, Suafoa flew to Sydney that night and played the following day, coming off the bench for his 20th Super Rugby appearance.

He said playing at a high level while receiving treatment had become too difficult to sustain.

“I get real tired easily,” Suafoa...