Former New Zealand international Lance Hohaia says he is quitting rugby league because of "recurrent post-match concussion-type symptoms," more than six months after being knocked unconscious by an opponent's punch.
The 32-year-old Hohaia tells the BBC on Wednesday that the symptoms have occurred since "returning to play after the off-season and this is the reason for my retirement." Hohaia says he is "seeking expert medical advice."
Hours earlier, Hohaia's British club, St. Helens, had announced the player's retirement without an explanation.
Hohaia was motionless on the ground two minutes into Europe's Super League Grand Final in November when he was punched for a second time in quick succession by Wigan Warriors prop Ben Flower.
Flower was banned for six months.
Hohaia has played eight games for St. Helens this season.
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