Newcastle Falcons back-row forward Nili Latu has said that “he thinks he’s done internationally.”
Latu, who is the cousin of All Blacks legend Doug Howlett, has been a key figure for Tongan international Rugby for over a decade, but may have played his last match for Tonga.
The dynamic back row is 35 years-old and has just come back from a seven-month injury lay-off; on his return to the Falcons side has made a positive impact.
Following an outstanding world cup for Tonga in the 2007 tournament, he was put in the Independent’s top 50 players in the world for 2008. Noted for gigantic tackles and impressive versatility for a man of his build standing at six ft and 102 kilo’s.
Nili has 46 caps for Tonga, scoring four tries, is their highest capped player ever and played in three world cup’s for Tonga. If he does confirm retirement for definite, he will be sorely missed by Tonga’s national team.
Latu is still going strong at the Falcons but if his retirement’s confirmed internationally, a true character of the game would have left the international stage.
Listen to the audio clip above to hear what Latu had to say on the prospect of not playing international rugby again.