Canadian rugby stalwart John Moonlight retires

April 24, 2018
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Canada Rugby

John Moonlight, who served as captain of the Canada Sevens team, has announced his retirement from rugby.

Moonlight helped guide Canada to gold medals at the 2011 and 2015 Pan American Games as well as the country's first win on the World Rugby Sevens Series last year in Singapore.

"I don't think there's ever a good time to retire, there's always going to be something you're looking forward to," Moonlight told CBC Sports in announcing his retirement on Tuesday. "I've done a lot in rugby and … I think it's time for me to hang 'em up and focus on this next part of life."

The 30-year-old also played for the 15s national team, scoring three tries in 24 appearances and was featured on the 2015 Rugby World Cup squad.

He has confirmed that he will move back to his hometown of Pickering to become a firefighter.

"I'm going to be serving the community that supported me for so long," Moonlight said.

"For years I've always been entertaining people, my job has been to put a show on for people and make them enjoy the sport. Finally I get to actually give back in a way that I'm doing something substantial for the community."