Rugby: Walden calls time on career

Will Johnston

Taranaki midfielder Teihorangi Walden has called time on his career. 

The 30-year-old announced the decision on social media after he suffered one too many concussions which was the main reason to end his 10-year first-class career.

“The end of an era – all good things must come to an end,” he said. 

His latest concussion happened at a mid-week Taranaki training earlier this year where he copped a stray knock. He said the decision did not come lightly.

“My decision to hang up the boots has not come easily but it is one that I know is right for me and my whanau. Concussions have been a recurring theme throughout my career and is definitely not something to take lightly.” 

It wasn’t only concussions that plagued his career. Walden suffered a bad Archilles injury when playing for Taranaki at Inglewood which saw him sidelined for some time.

Walden has mixed emotions after his decision and a sense of sadness as he bids farewell to a sport that’s been his passion for so many years.

“Then there is a huge sense of gratitude for the incredible journey that rugby has taken me on.”

He began his career for Otago while studying at university and went on to play 46 games between 2013 and 2017. He returned to Taranaki in 2018 and is one game short of 50 caps.

During his stint for Taranaki, he lifted the Ranfurly Shield off Canterbury in 2020 and the championship division trophy a year later against his former side.

He played 39 games for the Highlanders between 2016 and 2020. While he was named in the squad in 2015, the year the Highlanders lifted the Super Rugby trophy for the first time, he spent the season on the sidelines with Malakai Fekitoa, Richard Buckman, Jason Emery and Shaun Treeby the midfield options at the time.

He also played three matches for the Hurricanes in 2022.

Last season, he played a season for the New York Ironworkers in the Major League Rugby competition. 

He was a feature in the New Zealand U20 side in 2013 and played six matches for the Māori All Blacks from 2017 to 2019.

“I have never been fortunate enough to represent some epic provinces, my whanau and my country and each time I wore those jerseys, it was an honour and a privilege,” he said.

He said he never could have imagined the impact rugby would have on his life and it’s been much more than a game to him.

“The memories I have made on and off the field will stay with me forever – the victories, the defeats, the brutal battles, and the moments of joy.”

He went onto thank those who have been a part of his rugby journey including teammates, coaches, supporters and family.

“You guys are a massive reason why I played the game.”

Walden has made a quick transition into coaching. He is the assistant coach for Spotswood United in the CMK premier competition with his father Toka in charge. He is also lending a hand with the Francis Douglas Memorial College 1^st XV.

He said he’s excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.