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Kanaar forced to retire
From staff reporters
January 31, 2008
NEW South Wales and Australia backrower Al Kanaar has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the age of 24.
Kanaar has battled ongoing knee injuries and has finally been forced to confirm his retirement from the game
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Injury forces Kanaar to retire
January 31, 2008
NEW South Wales and former Australia lock Al Kanaar has retired from rugby union after a year-long battle with a chronic knee injury.
Kanaar missed the entire 2007 season after an knee reconstruction on his left anterior cruciate ligament after a fall in the trial match against the Brumbies in January last year.
The 24-year-old played 26 Super rugby matches for the Waratahs and made one appearance for the Wallabies, against New Zealand at Eden Park, in 2005.
The Nowra-born forward says he began to realise a few weeks ago that his playing days were over.
"I really thought this was going to be a big year for me but my knee just wasn't responding to the level needed to play this game," Kanaar said.
"It was a tough period. I was really down and depressed but I came through it and now I'm positive about the future."
Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie said he was disappointed for Kanaar.
"The Waratahs have lost a significant player in Al and were devastated as a team and upset for him personally," McKenzie said.
"He worked extremely hard to get back on the training paddock and this is something he doesn't deserve. "
AAP
"Remember lads, rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to Giteau." 
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