Experienced Italian lock Carlo del Fava has revealed his heartbreak at having to retire from all forms of rugby with a neck injury.
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The 32-year-old, who won 54 caps for Italy, was forced to hang up his boots this month after discovering the injury would have required two operations to give him any chance of playing again.
Del Fava made his Italy debut in the 2004 RBS 6 Nations and appeared in the competition 27 times between then and 2011.
He made his last international appearance in the summer of that year, against Australia, but joined Premiership side Newcastle Falcons this season, making 11 appearances.
However, when confronted with a difficult decision regarding his well-being, the 6ft6in forward knew what the correct decision was.
“It was horrible decision to make, something that I was not expecting to happen to me half way through the season,” he said.
“I have had quite a few injuries over the last two years, it was heartbreaking but I have to say it was the right decision.
“I had the same serious neck operation in 2011 and this pretty similar, maybe worse, so I didn’t want to take the same risk.
“I am not 26 anymore so I can’t expect my body to be in full working order after an operation and expect to come back and play.
“It has been sad to make this decision but we could not be certain that I would come back from the operation 100 per cent and even if there was any chance I could play again.”
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