AUCKLAND FORWARD CAMERON SUAFOA RETIRES AFTER TERMINAL CANCER DIAGNOSIS
Cameron Suafoa, a promising forward for the Auckland Blues rugby team, announced his retirement at the age of 27 following a devastating terminal cancer diagnosis. Suafoa’s battle with cancer began in November 2023 when he was diagnosed and subsequently underwent six weeks of radiation therapy after a tumor was surgically removed from his back.
After returning to the sport in 2024, he played for North Harbour at the provincial level before rejoining the Auckland Blues for the Super Rugby competition last year. However, the end of the 2025 season brought another significant blow as he received a second cancer diagnosis, which indicated that the illness had progressed.
In an emotional video shared by the Blues rugby team, Suafoa stated, “I’ve decided to finish playing rugby officially, decided to retire, the unfortunate news that my cancer had spread and it was terminal now.” He bravely acknowledged the difficult path ahead, revealing plans to begin chemotherapy in the coming days as he prepares for a new kind of battle against the disease.
His versatile capabilities on the field were well recognized, with Suafoa playing as both a lock and flanker, as well as making a mark by appearing in one match for the Maori All Blacks in 2022.
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