Black Fern Grace Steinmetz forced to retire from rugby due to brain ...

Black Fern Grace Steinmetz has been forced to retire from rugby following brain scans showing that it would not be safe for her to continue playing.

Steinmetz announced the news on social media today and said it's not how she pictured her rugby career to end.

"Scans have come back showing a brain injury that means I need to hang the boots up, medically retire and never play rugby again," Steinmetz wrote on Instagram.

"Grateful that my health is still in tact and we found out before it was too late."

The 26-year-old played her debut Test for the Black Ferns in a 22-14 victory against the Australian Wallaroos in 2022.

"This game and the people within it have done so much for me, and I am super grateful for the last seven years I have had in this sport."

She said that her journey playing for various teams in both New Zealand and abroad would forever be a massive part of her life.

Steinmetz represented both Matatū and Chiefs Manawa in Super Rugby Aupiki across three seasons. The fullback also made 15 appearances for Canterbury in the Farah Palmer Cup.

"Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey and supported me along the way."

She ended the post saying "I will understand one day."

Steinmetz got engaged to Chiefs centre Rameka Poihipi in November last year.