Ngatai out for rest of season

Photo by: Dave Lintott Photography

Taranaki midfielder Charlie Ngatai has been ruled out for the rest of the season thanks to ongoing concussion issues.  

The Taranaki co-captain has been side lined since May when he took a head knock during the Super Rugby season but according to a statement by Taranaki Rugby he is still making positive progress and has been participating in moderated training with his Port Taranaki Bulls teammates.  

Without able to resume full contact training, Ngatai has made the decision along with Taranaki and New Zealand Rugby medical personnel to call it quits for 2016 and focus on returning in 2017.  

In a statement the 26-year-old said he had been frustrated not to be out there with the team this season but wants to focus on his recovery.  

“I know the best thing for my recovery is to take the time to make sure I am 100 percent right so that I can look forward to many more years on the rugby field”.  

Ngatai thanked his team, the management and the Union in general for all their support.   “I wish the Naki boys all the best for the rest of the season. I can’t wait to get back out there next year” he added.  

Port Taranaki Bills head coach Colin Cooper said that even though Ngatai has been watching from the side line he has been contributing to the team.  

“He has continued to immerse himself fully in our environment and give as much as he can to help his teammates” he said.

With a full schedule of rugby coming up in 2017 including the Lions series Cooper wished Ngatai all the for his ongoing recovery and offered plenty of support as he works towards taking to the field next season.  

Taranaki loose forward Mitchell Crosswell will continue to captain the side for the remainder of the national provincial championship season.  

Taranaki are still to play for more games against Manawatu [home], Canterbury [home], Wellington [away] and Auckland [home].