Farewell to a real force of rugby

REGARDLESS of last night’s Chiefs v Force result, there was still going to be a crayfish celebration for the friends and family of Richard Kahui.

Some 18 years after he first set foot on the hallowed turf of Waikato Stadium for the Mooloos as a fresh-faced Tokoroa teenager, 16 years after turning out there for the Highlanders in his maiden Super season, and nine years since he last played there in Chiefs colours, the 2011 World Cup-winning All Black took what’s likely to be his final bow in front of his parents, 30 or so of their friends, and a seriously appreciative crowd.

He’d already let slip in the buildup to the Super Rugby showdown that a mate from up north had 20 crayfish ready for after the game.

Sure, Kahui was wearing the Force’s colours and, sure, there’s a possible Tuesday catchup match against Moana Pasifika at Mt Smart and then the Force’s final match against the Canes back in Perth next Sunday, but last night was a chance for Kahui to say goodbye to ‘‘a place that I still call home, against a team that I love’’.

‘‘I spent a childhood there as well. Dad... used to pull us out of school for the Waikato midweek games. We’d go see the British and Irish Lions, and the South African side take on the Mooloos, and I’ve seen some of the great Shield matches,’’ he told Stuff’s Aaron Goile.

‘‘I’m counting down these 10 days to what could possibly be the end of my career. So I think I’m unofficially, officially [retiring], if you know what I mean.’’

Kahui has been a seriously gritty player over the years – battling back from five shoulder reconstructions to extend his career first in Japan and then in Western Australia with the Force. There’s talk he might turn to coaching, but with Australian wife Amy and young children Scarlett, Jake and Addison all tending to call the Gold Coast home these days, that’s likely to be a role over the Ditch rather than back here.

But whatever his decision, he ought to be able to celebrate his 37th birthday next month looking back at a stunning career.