KEY POINTS:
Doubt surrounds the rugby future of lock James Ryan after he terminated his contract with Otago.
Nine-test All Black Ryan, 25, said he needed time away from the sport to consider his future as he continued recovering from serious shoulder and knee injuries.
One of New Zealand's most talented locks, he had his 2007 season decimated by a serious knee injury suffered 11 months ago which ruled him out of contention for the World Cup.
Currently pursuing a career in law in Wellington, he said his break from rugby would be for an "indefinite" period.
"It's been a big decision for me to make," Ryan told the Otago Daily Times.
"I've had three limb reconstructions in 12 months and that has been pretty frustrating for me to deal with. Rehabbing is not a nice thing to be doing all the time.
"I think I just need to have a bit of space to physically give my body a complete break from rugby."
Ryan played the last of his tests against Wales in November 2006.
He is still contracted to the New Zealand Rugby Union but had not ruled out a return to the game.
"Four years ago, rugby was just completely everything to me," he said.
"But it's not money or opportunities that will make me want to play rugby again. I have to really want to be doing it."
- NZPA
