Blues Star Cameron Suafoa Retires After Terminal Cancer Diagnosis

Blues and Maori All Blacks utility forward Cameron Suafoa has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the age of 27 following a terminal cancer diagnosis.

The Auckland-based franchise confirmed the news on April 3, 2026, through a video released on its official website and social media channels.

Suafoa, who is capable of playing at lock or in the back-row, revealed that the decision to retire came after a second cancer diagnosis at the conclusion of the Blues’ 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

Medical History and Initial Diagnosis

Suafoa was first diagnosed with cancer in November 2023. The condition was identified as high-grade sarcoma, a form of cancer that develops in the connective tissue.

Following the initial diagnosis, the forward underwent surgery to have a malignant tumour removed from his back. This procedure was followed by six weeks of radiation treatment.

After making a recovery, Suafoa returned to competitive rugby in 2024, playing for the North Harbour side in the New Zealand National Provincial Championship (NPC).

He continued his professional career into 2025, representing the Blues in Super Rugby. His final appearance for the team occurred in April 2025 during a match against the Crusaders, prior to the recurrence of the illness.

I’ve decided to finish playing rugby officially, decided to retire, the unfortunate news that my cancer had spread and it was terminal now. I will be going through a different type of battle soon so I start having chemo in the coming days.

Cameron Suafoa

Professional Career and Milestones

Suafoa’s professional trajectory began in the NPC, where he started his career with Auckland in 2019. He later moved to Tasman in 2020 before joining North Harbour in 2022.

He made his debut for the Blues in 2022 and went on to make 31 appearances for the franchise. During his tenure, he also earned selection for the Maori All Blacks.

Suafoa made his debut for the Maori All Blacks in 2022 in a match against Ireland held in Hamilton. He represented the team a total of three times during his career.

Reflections on Retirement

Speaking on the difficulty of leaving the sport, Suafoa described professional rugby as the best job in the world and stated that the game was everything to him.

He expressed deep gratitude toward the Blues organization for the support provided to him and his family.

Being a part of the Blues has been a dream come true. I will forever be grateful for all the franchise has done for me and my family. This franchise is something special and it’s been an honour to wear this jersey. Thank you for all the memories, Blues #333 signing out x.

Cameron Suafoa