McCabe: 'I am extremely fortunate'
Wallabies and Brumbies back Pat McCabe regards himself as 'extremely fortunate', despite being forced to quit the game.
McCabe formally announced his retirement from the on Thursday - although the decision was revealed to the media by Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham the previous day by - following a third break to his C1 vertebrae.
McCabe suffered the injury while playing against the All Blacks for the Wallabies in Auckland last Saturday.
That followed similar fractures in November 2012 and June last year.
The Australian Rugby Union and Brumbies said they will assist McCabe in his transition from active playing duty to ensure he has continued support in the future.
Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie congratulated McCabe on his impressive career.
"These are always difficult moments, but Pat has made the right decision in putting his future health and well-being ahead of any desire he may have to continue playing," McKenzie said.
"Importantly, he gets to step away from the game knowing the injury, after rehabilitation, won't have any long-term influence or impact on how he chooses to live his day-to-day life.
"He is one of the smartest and most dedicated individuals I have had the pleasure of coaching and, irrespective of what avenue he chooses to go down, I have no doubt he will be a success.
"On the field, Pat made an amazing contribution to the game at all levels of the game, and he'll finish his career with some wonderful memories and many great relationships that will remain with him for life.
"Pat is truly one of the good men of our game."
McCabe had a distinguished career, representing Australia in 24 Tests after making his Wallabies debut in 2010 against Italy in Florence.
Provincially, McCabe earned 66 caps and scored 11 tries for the Brumbies since his debut for the Canberra-based franchise in 2010.
McCabe excelled at every level he competed at and was a member of various Australian teams across schoolboy, Under-19, Australia A, Sevens and Wallaby level.
Among the many highlights of his career, McCabe represented Australia at the 2011 World Cup and in the historic British & Irish Lions series in 2013.
Off the field, McCabe is currently completing a law degree.
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham lamented losing a player of McCabe's quality.
"Patty is the most respected player here from both staff and players. He's very good at listening, at learning and most importantly improving," Larkham said.
"Over the last five years he's had setbacks, including a number of injuries. But through all of that he has maintained an improvement in his game.
"This pre-season was the best he's had and it led into one of the best seasons he's had. With Patty you pretty much knew exactly what you were going to get. He was 100 percent into everything. Tackles clean-outs - every contest, it gave the guys around him and the coaches confidence.
"What makes a guy brave? That's the million-dollar question, but I think Pat answers it.
"You want players like Patty, you want everyone of your team members to be a bit like Patty. You'd like them to be tough, both mentally and physically and there is no-one braver than Patty, both in terms of injuries that he's gone through and the way that he plays the game."
Full statement from Pat McCabe: "It has truly been an honour to represent the Brumbies and the Wallabies over the past five years.
"While my playing career has not ended the way I would have liked, I consider myself extremely fortunate.
"Fortunate to have met and shared experiences with special players and coaches.
"Fortunate to have played against opposition from around the world representing my country and province.
"And fortunate to walk away from the game with life changing friendships and memories.
"While the next chapter of my life is both exciting and terrifying in equal measure, I know that the lessons I have learnt in rugby will serve me well."