New Zealand rugby's worst kept secret has finally come out.
83-cap test veteran Andrew Hore officially announced his retirement from international rugby with immediate effect. Indeed, given Hore doesn't have a Super Rugby contract at this stage for 2014, it is probably the end of Horey's top flight professional rugby career unless there is a last minute change of heart by Super Rugby sides to take the illustrious All Black hooker.
Horey will now turn his full attention to his Maniototo farm which he has been looking after on a part time basis.
Andrew Hore made his debut for the All Blacks in 2002 after a strong season for the Hurricanes but his career in black really picked up after the 2007 Rugby World Cup following the retirement of former Otago teammate, Anton Oliver with his scrummaging abilities making him a first choice for Graham Henry et al.
Hore and Mealamu complimented each other on the field and off the bench and Hore played a key role as the ABs won the Rugby World Cup in 2011.
However, Hore's time was coming up with coaches preferring Dane Coles over the former Taranaki and Hurricanes captain and at the ripe old age of 35, Hore decided to call time on a career which he can look back with fondness.
There is no doubt that Horey was a real leader on and off the field and his experience and mana have definitely been passed onto the likes of Keven Mealamu and Dane Coles. He may have had his controversies on and off the rugby field - whether it's shooting seals off the Otago coast in 2005 or breaking Bradley Davies' jaw - but all in all, he was a highly popular character in the All Blacks camp.
Thanks for the memories, Horey! And keep away from the seals!
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