Tokyo 2020 rugby sevens Olympian Colin Bourke has announced his retirement at the age of 39 after wrapping up his second season with Red Hurricanes Osaka in League One’s second division.
The tenacious number eight enjoyed a dream send-off as he opened the scoring in the Hurricanes’ 22-12 win over Fukuoka-based Kyuden Voltex in the last round of League One’s second tier on Sunday.
Bourke, who hails from Napier, New Zealand, moved to Japan in 2012, following stints with the Highlanders and the Chiefs to play for the Ricoh Black Rams and gained Japanese citizenship in 2018.
The former New Zealand sevens team member and ex-Maori All Blacks player (below - right) represented Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and joined Osaka outfit the Red Hurricanes in 2022.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have been able to play this game for as long as I have,” said Bourke.
“So many friendships made, so many great memories created, all of which will stay with me for life.
“Thank you for all your kind messages and support over the years. I’m looking forward to the next chapter.”
A host of luminaries of the game responded to Bourke’s retirement announcement.
Kubota Spears’ outgoing hooker Dane Coles said: “One of the greats.”
All Blacks captain Sam Cane, of Suntory Sungoliath, said: “What an effort bro. Congrats on all you’ve achieved.”
Kobe Steelers fly-half Bryn Gatland, who finished the season as the top points scorer in the top-flight said: “Congrats brother hell of a shift.”
The Chiefs said: “What a legend! Once a Chief always a Chief!"
The Hurricanes finished the season fourth and avoided any threat of relegation to the third division by winning their final two games of the campaign.
Picture courtesy of Red Hurricanes Osaka