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Christian Cullen retires

Irish club rugby New Zealand
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Cullen in action against Scarlets in the Heineken Cup in March

Christian Cullen has decided to retire from the sport with immediate effect.

The New Zealand full-back, who played his last game for Munster last month, said injury problems were the main reason for his decision.

"I've hung up the boots for good," he said. "My mind is fresh and feels like I could sign another four-year deal.

"But there comes a time when you have to be a realist and I know my body has had enough. I can't remember the last time my ankles and knees didn't ache."

Give your reaction to Cullen's decision.

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posted May 12, 2007

littlejerry congratulations on falling for the wind up

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posted May 12, 2007

Cullen was a legend in the black shirt - hard as nails and mesmerising to watch... The greatest full back of all time...

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posted May 12, 2007

littlejerry congratulations on falling for the wind up
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A wind up was it? Oh, well that's positively hilarious then. There we were thinking that you were just being as stupid and rude as you are in the rest of your posts, but no, you've had us all on, you wag.

Cullen is arguably the best ever. Given that he was cut down at 26, I think only JPR comes close for best full-back ever.

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posted May 12, 2007

Undoubtedly the game's finest ever full back. Such a pity he hasn't been as good as he was for so long. Imagine an all black team now with a fullt fit CC. I wish him all the best.

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posted May 12, 2007

Cullen was without doubt the best fullback to ever have played the game. He revolutionised the position from being primarily the last line of defence to an essential attacking element.

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posted May 13, 2007

Maybe not the best fullback EVER, but he certainly was a freak athlete. Whilst in the All Blacks he apparently had the third best bench press in the team, behind only the 2 props. ie, better than the rest of the forward pack! Unbelievable.

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posted May 14, 2007

Cullen was without doubt the best fullback to ever have played the game. He revolutionised the position from being primarily the last line of defence to an essential attacking element

how can you say without doubt he was the greatest full back ever?
JPR , Blanco,nepia can each put forward a good case.
You can say in your view he was the best, anyhow for what it's worth he was a cracking rugby player and scored some great tries he struggeled at Munster and having watched him at stradey the other day i'm glad he retired as he was a shadow of himself.
He will go down as one of the best full backs ever

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posted May 15, 2007

When I started to watch rugby Cullen and Tana were the two who made the game amazing to watch. They have both had a brilliant career so far and I wish Cullen luck with his future endeavours and I hope that he realises how proud us Kiwi's are of him. Thanks Cullen for some brilliant rugby and have fun back in beautiful NZ! There are definately worse places to be in the world smiley

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posted May 15, 2007

cully was the most amazing all black back i have ever seen.

unfortunately for cully, he wasnt able to hold onto his ability for as long as others. this is part of his enigma, a lot of people are so fond of him, they refused to admit that he wasnt the player he used to be.
all the same, when he was at his best, he was breath taking.

the only other player i have seen with more natural ability with ball in hand is caucau.

both of them would be in my best ever team.

i havent seen the old geezers live, and frankly i dont need to. put them on the same pitch and its no contest.

no doubt, some one else will come along, but until they do, youre the best cully!

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