FIJI captain Tui Kamikamica has been forced to retire on medical grounds, two months out from the World Cup.
The Melbourne Storm forward suffered a stroke in March which left him temporarily unable to speak or move, and he required emergency brain and heart surgery.
While Kamikamica, 32, recovered sufficiently to take part in some light training with Melbourne, he has now called time on a ten-year professional career.
All of that was spent with the Storm, making 142 NRL appearances, and earlier this week he was inducted as a life member of the club.
On the international scene he earned 21 caps, playing in the 2017 and 2022 World Cups including Fiji’s famous quarter-final defeat of New Zealand in the former.
Kamikamica was appointed to the Bati captaincy three years ago, leading them in their past two Pacific Championship campaigns, and hoped to be skipper for this autumn’s World Cup too.
“I’m incredibly proud of everything I’ve been able to achieve in the game,” said Kamikamica, who moved to Australia aged 18.
“To play for Storm and captain Fiji are memories I’ll cherish forever.
“I want to thank everyone at Storm for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play at the highest level.
“Melbourne will always be a special place for me and my family, and I’m looking forward to my next chapter in life.”
Canterbury Bulldogs forward Viliame Kikau and Wests Tigers hooker Api Koroisau have been touted as potential captains for Fiji, who begin their World Cup campaign against the Cook Islands on Sunday, October 18 in Newcastle, having been drawn in a group with Australia and New Zealand.