Apprentice boy not ready to call it quits

Rhys Duggan thought his rugby career was over at the end of last year.

Now, at 32, the one-test former All Blacks halfback with 111 games for Waikato behind him will not discount playing next season.

Either way Duggan is an apprentice builder these days rather than a professional player and has somehow found a way to fit in the demands of being a semi-professional NPC player with those of his employment.

That is just as well, as Waikato would have been struggling without Duggan.

He has come off the bench in four NPC matches this season and in tonight's semifinal against Wellington in the capital he will make his third successive start.

He has provided much-needed experience in the No 9 jersey in the absence of Byron Kelleher and with Isaac Boss having taken so well to the fullback position following the injury to Todd Miller.

Kelleher is back this week following injury but will start on the bench.

A relaxed, injury-free Duggan has played so well in the twilight of his prolonged career that there was no need to rush Kelleher back as a starter after a three-week absence.

"When Mitch [coach John Mitchell] came to me at the beginning of the year and asked if I could fit in for the first couple of weeks before Byron got back from the All Blacks, I said 'no worries' and then the whole thing changed," Duggan said.

"Actually this whole year's been pretty amazing. From umming and ahhing about even playing to playing the club season gave me a big thrill and then being involved in the first couple of [NPC] games to playing these last couple of games. It's been awesome."

But it hasn't been easy, with Duggan having a new career to consider. He has had to keep asking for more time off, while at home three young sons also compete for his time.

"Having another job does give you a bit of balance in life. Rugby's not the be all and end all any more."

How much longer he stays in the game remains the question.

"This year has been so much fun that I'll just have to see at the end of the year.

"I can't say yes and I can't say no at the moment but, whatever happens, it's been a good crack anyway."

- NZPA


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