Questions as star player steps down
By Brent Edwards

Otago and All Black rugby star Jeff Wilson yesterday climbed off the sporting merry-go-round, leaving a stunned public to ponder whether it has seen the last of one of New Zealand's sporting greats.

The All Blacks' most prolific test try-scorer and a cricket international while still a teenager, Wilson announced in a statement he was taking a break from rugby for an indefinite period. "I'm not saying I'm retiring at all," Wilson said. "All I'm saying is that I want a bit of time and space to myself to pursue other things in life. "Rugby has been a big part of my life and I'm grateful for the opportunities I have been given. There is no higher honour than to play for New Zealand and I have the utmost respect for the All Black jersey. But at this stage I do not want to be considered for selection for the All Blacks."

Wilson (26) said the death of his father, Bill, two years ago had affected him deeply and he still felt the loss of him daily. "It's partly because of that I want time out now. I need to come to terms with that and with what I want to do with the rest of my life. "My father always advised me I had to commit myself totally to whatever sport I was playing and that I had to enjoy it. I feel I can't fully follow his advice at the moment."

Wilson has no plans to leave Dunedin, nor has he decided yet on a resumption of his cricket career. "All I want is to be away from the limelight for a while and I hope people can understand my personal position and respect my privacy." Approached at Dunedin Airport after the Highlanders returned from Christchurch yesterday, Wilson politely declined to be interviewed. When did you make the decision? What will you do for the rest of the winter? Might you still play for Otago in the national championship? "I'm sorry. I don't really want to add anything to the statement at the moment. Honestly, I just want a break to think about my future."

As well as his rugby, Wilson, who came to Dunedin in 1993 to study at the Dunedin College of Education, has been doing an art history paper this year at the University of Otago. Wilson appeared on TV3 last night but was not available to other media. All Black assistant coach Tony Gilbert, who coached the Highlanders in 1998 and 1999, said Wilson was his own man and had come to his own decision. "I've got enormous respect for Jeff as a person and as a player who has given so much to the game already, in achievements, commitments and loyalty. "I wish him the best wherever his life takes him in the next little while. He's a young man and he has the talent to do whatever he wants in life. "I hope he decides to return and enhance New Zealand rugby, as he's done in the past. That would be wonderful but I wish him well whatever he does."

Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive John Hornbrook said he had been kept informed of Wilson's situation and had been informed of his decision to take a break on Saturday night. "We're disappointed he's not enjoying his rugby at the moment but the last thing we as a union want would be to get someone to play for us when he doesn't want to play. "Jeff's only 26 and we sincerely believe his best rugby's ahead of him. Jeff's assured me that, if he returns to rugby, it will be for Otago. His contribution's been immense. "He might return in two months, he might return in a year and he might not return at all. But he's done too much in the past for us not to respect his wishes."

Good luck Jeff and all the best from all of us here !!!!! and THANK YOU for always giving 100% and we are 100% behind you in whatever you decide to do.