The 28-cap international has been forced to end his career
Australia rugby international Ned Hanigan has been forced to retire at the age of 30 upon medical advice.
The 6ft 4in back-rower won 28 caps for the Wallabies after making his debut in 2017, with his last senior international appearance coming against Wales during the 2022 Autumn Nations Cup. At club level, he enjoyed two spells with the Waratahs and also represented the New South Wales Country Eagles and Japanese outfit Kurita Water Gush before joining French side Provence in 2024.
Hanigan made five appearances for the Pro D2 side but his last appearance came in February 2025, and he has now been advised to end his playing career with immediate effect.
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The exact medical reason for the Australian star’s retirement has not been disclosed, but a statement from Provence revealed he had been told to step away from the game to “prioritise his health”.
“Provence Rugby announces with emotion that Ned Hanigan is forced to end his professional rugby career,” the statement read. “On medical advice, the Australian international flanker must now prioritize his health and retire from playing top-level rugby.
“Having arrived in the off-season in 2024, Ned played five matches for the Provençal club. Those five matches were enough to highlight his exceptional quality.
“Intelligent, well-rounded, athletic, precise, and always making the right decisions. Every time he stepped onto the pitch, his skill was undeniable,” the club added.
“But beyond his sporting achievements, it’s the man himself that the club will remember most.
“Radiant, humble, and incredibly kind, Ned immediately made a lasting impression on the locker room and everyone who worked with him.
“Respectful, hardworking, and always positive, he will have left a sincere and enduring mark despite his all-too-brief time at the club.”
A social media post from Provence showed Hanigan being given a fitting send-off in training, with Wales legend George North – who joined the French club alongside him ahead of the 2024/25 season – among the well-wishers.
North was seen embracing the Wallabies star, who received a framed shirt from the rest of the squad as he posed for photos with his teammates at the training ground.
“Rugby is full of great moments,” read the caption under one team photo shared on Provence’s Instagram page. “No matter how many matches you play, the bonds will remain. Thank you for everything Ned. You’re part of the family.”
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