Rudi Vedelago Retires for the Family

[Darren]

Emirates Western Force lock Rudi Vedelago has announced his retirement from professional rugby to manage his family’s business.

The popular and talented big man of the pack sought and was granted an early release from his contract with the Emirates Western Force after his father suffered a health scare.

Vedelago has moved back to Brisbane to manage the business previously run by this father but has not ruled out a return to the game he loves some time in the future.

“Dad had a bit of a scare and it was clear that I needed to be at home and helping with the business, so that’s where I’m at,” Vedelago said.

“I was really looking forward to the 2008 season with the Force but family comes first, and the Force were fully appreciative of that,” he said.

“I had two wonderful years in Perth and hopefully, if I don the boots again down the track, I’ll get back there.”

RugbyWA Chief Executive Peter O’Meara described Vedelago as a popular member of the organization, who had made a big impact both on and off the field.

“Rudi was more than just a fine footballer; he played a key part in setting the tone and the culture of the place, and he will be sorely missed by everyone here,” O’Meara said.

“He knows that if the time is right later to resume playing, he would be welcome back with open arms.”

Vedelago won 25 Super 12 caps with the Queensland Reds before moving to WA in 2005 and becoming an inaugural member of the Emirates Western Force.

Injury kept him out of most of the 2006 season but he had a huge impact in 2007, playing in all 13 games and finishing the season with a career total of 39 Super caps.



The 26 year old also played for the Australian Schoolboys, U19s, U21s and Australia A.

[frontrow]

Sorry to see you leave mate, but Family is number 1, and i for one totally respect that, good luck for the future Rudi...

[The InnFORCEr]

Thanks for your service Rudi, the door is always open here at the Force.

[RuckNMaul]

sorry to see you go, not the best run over herer with the force 2006 plauged with injurys had us calling you "Bad Luck Personified" but had a great year in 07 showing your worth as a real workhorse with your work both at the breakdown and in the lineout. big shoes to fill there.

Family first, gotta respect that.

[Rugby191]

Thanks Rudi, you have been a great help to the force.

[jono]

cheers mate.
hope your dad's on the mend

[GIGS20]

Rudi,in one season, you went from an unknown to me to the second best lock in the country (And I don't think you would argue at Sharpie getting the nod above you).Sorry to see you go, but I respect your decision. Get your family back on track and come back to finish the job mate!

[WF2006]

Big shame for us and the Force. Best of luck to Rudi and family.
Lets hope Pat O'Connor's injuries come good, although Tom Hockings and Sitaleki Timani did a good job with the Spirit.

[GIGS20]

I guess that opens a spot for Sita,doesn't it? one door closes.....

[jargan83]

I heard about this over the weekend, i think i read that article somewhere actually. Whilst i'm sad to see Rudi leaving after an injury interupted 2006 and seeing him come real good for us this year, it is for a very important reason, family and he will have my respect and my best wishes. Best of luck Rudi and family

[Skiza]

Thanks for all your efforts Rudi and good luck for the future. Hopefully, we may see you out on the paddock again, even if its not for the Force!!

Geez, we're so much better than those Eagles fans

[jargan83]

Geez, we're so much better than those Eagles fans

Your not wrong Skiza

Mans gotta do what a mans gotta do for his family, nothing we can say/argue with there as far as i'm concerned

[Rugby191]

This could be an opportunity for young Apprentice Tom Hockings.

[Jess]

Thanks for the memories Rudi. You're a true champion and all round nice guy in my book.

Whenever I hear 'A message to Rudi' I will think of you.

'Stop your messin around... better think of your future'...

[James]

I guess that opens a spot for Sita,doesn't it? one door closes.....

I wouldn't count on it. We have 4 locks in the squad now with Sharpie, O'Connor, Hockings and Wykes. Plus Pusey, Doherty and Fardy can all cover lock if need be. I would have thought they would move Pusey into a full time lock because there are 5 options for blindside flanker with Pusey, Doherty, Fardy, Horua and Brown. Perhaps they'll make him an apprentice though. Personally I still want another young scrum-half or hooker. Hooker preferably.