Top 14: Victor Vito hints at retirement
La Rochelle and former All Black number eight Victor Vito has dropped a strong hint that the current season might be his last as an active top-level player.
Speaking to L’Equipe on Tuesday, Vito, who has been a feature of La Rochelle’s back-row for six seasons now, said he was looking for a little more family time.
Multiple retirements
“I want to help my wife raise our three children more,” said Vito, who also said he was feeling physically worn out.
It will be another blow to La Rochelle, who unexpectedly lost flanker Kevin Gourdon earlier this season and will also now have to cope without Zeno Kieft and Wiaan Liebenberg as well as Vito, all to retirement.
Vito will bring the curtain down on a memorable 17-year career, which featured 33 All Black caps. He is one of only 21 players to have won the Rugby World Cup twice, while he rounded off his time at the Hurricanes by winning the Super Rugby title in his 100th game for the franchise.
He was also a New Zealand sevens star earlier in his career and a captain of the New Zealand U19 side. He has been one of La Rochelle’s co-captains this season.
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