'Tahs clash a fitting farewell for Croft
Passionate Queensland flanker David Croft couldn't dream of a better way to draw the curtain on his distinguished Super 14 rugby career than playing the interstate grudge match against NSW.
The former Wallaby was close to tears as he announced he would retire from professional rugby at the end of the 2008 season despite having one year left to run on his contract.
In a remarkable streak of endurance, the 29-year-old has played 114 matches for Queensland and 92 consecutive Super rugby competition games since 2001.
He believes a final Super 14 match against the second-placed Waratahs and the possibility of ruining their chance to host a home semi-final would be a fitting farewell to a franchise he's served with pride and honour.
"That's one of the greatest things about pulling on a Reds jersey, playing New South Wales," said Croft, who informed shocked teammates on Monday night of his decision to retire.
"If I could choose a way to go out, this would be it.
"I'm very fortunate the draw has panned out that way.
"It'd be great to be playing them with us going for a semi-final berth but that's not the case."
But first Queensland must face the daunting task of trying to pierce the armoury of the table-topping Crusaders, who have already secured a semi-final in Christchurch.
"That's what I said to the boys yesterday - I'll make this announcement and we get on with business," an emotional Croft told reporters at Ballymore.
"The business is beating the Crusaders and the Waratahs and I think it's really going to be a test of where we are as a side moving forward.
"These are the teams at the top of the table and there's no better way to finish."
Croft said retirement had been on his mind for the past 18 months but he had decided to re-sign with the Reds after they ended their 2007 season with a record 92-3 loss to the Bulls.
"It's certainly not in my nature to leave a sinking ship and I wanted to get to the point where I could see light at the end of the tunnel and I think we're definitely there now," he said.
"For the past nine years I've given everything I've got playing for the Reds and I've loved every minute.
"I'd be doing Queensland Rugby, my teammates and myself a disservice if I continue when my heart's not in it.
"For me it's either all or nothing. I believe it's much better making a decision now and giving the Reds time before next season to free up funds to recruit new players."
Croft's retirement will leave another big hole in the Queensland ranks, with Chris Latham (Worcester), Sam Cordingley (Grenoble) and Stephen Moore (Brumbies or Western Force) also departing.
The Reds will now be desperate to recruit Western Force flanker David Pocock, who won't be making a decision on his future until after the Super 14 season.
Coach Phil Mooney paid tribute to Croft, who will retire to focus on working with sports management firm International Quarterback and playing "social rugby" for Brothers.
"Whoever next wears that Reds number seven jersey takes over from one of the all-time greats of our club," Mooney said.
"The fact that he's never missed a game, mentally he's unbelievably tough, he's worked hard physically.
"It's just a great reward for him to go out on his own terms."
Croft earned five Wallaby caps after making his Test debut against Argentina in 2002.
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