Due to a spinal injury he sustained in September during Newcastle’s Premiership season opener against Sale, prop Taione Vea has retired.
Vea, a Tonga international, played with Falcons for 22 games after joining from London Welsh in May 2015.
The 26-year-old, who has six caps for his nation, has also played for North Harbour in New Zealand and Wasps.
“I was left paralysed for five or six minutes on the field, where I couldn’t feel my whole body,” he stated.
“That is sufficient for one person in a lifetime, and there is a good chance that would occur again if I were to resume playing.
“After speaking with experts and medical personnel, I’ve got to recognize that life is about more than just playing games.
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