Australia

Tough-as-nails Reds flank David Croft will retire from rugby at the end of the Super 14 season, leaving a big void in the Brisbane-based franchise.

Croft is known for his fearless attitude and seemingly total disregard for his personal safety, so it will be a sad day when the 29-year-old runs out for the last time against the Waratahs on Saturday, May 17.

Reds fullback Chris Latham, who is also leaving the Reds at the end of the season to take up a contract in Worcester, heaped praise on his bald teammate. 

In a column in Brisbane's Courier Mail, Latham said that Croft will be sorely missed.

Here is his entire column on David Croft:

Every Queensland player who has run out beside David Croft during the past eight seasons has known the shape his body would be in at full-time - a bruised mess.

More stitches than the local sewing club, a nose battered this way and that, bloodied cuts, the bandaging of a mummy and absolute exhaustion are all in his night's work.

I was asked to recap some of the physical toll taken of Crofty in years gone by.

I pulled up the questioner and said you don't have to remember back when. It was last Friday night and the Saturday night before that.

Given his position and attitude at flank in the midst of the biggest collisions, it's unbelievable what he has put his body through every game.

If you want a warrior beside you when you run out for the Reds, you'd choose Crofty as No. 1.

His is another tough decision from a senior player to leave the Reds albeit in different circumstances as a retirement.

Crofty spoke from the heart when he said it tore him up to see some guys go through the motions at the Reds and be happy with a pay cheque.

It's hard to imagine someone matching his commitment and passion for the Queensland jersey. I'd love to be proved wrong as this young Reds team kicks on.

When respected Australia player David Wilson retired in 2000, the question was asked, "How are we ever going to replace him?"

Along came Crofty who brought something special in a different way.

There won't be another Crofty but there will be someone worthy to wear the No. 7 jersey.

It's not Crofty's last games for the Reds, or mine or Stephen Moore's, or Sam Cordingley's which should get the team up against the Crusaders this weekend or the Waratahs to follow.

It should be a team cause, not farewells, that get the boys up every game.