WFR News
PENINSULA WHALERS ANNOUNCE END OF AN ERA AS SIX RETIRE FOLLOWING WFR 30
2026-08-15 16:36:14
The Peninsula Whalers have today confirmed the end of a golden chapter in the club’s history, announcing the simultaneous retirement of six decorated veteran players at the conclusion of World Fantasy Rugby (WFR) Season 30.Leading the departures are former All Blacks Owen Franks, Luke Romano, Isaac Ross, and Ryan Crotty, alongside former Pioneers hooker Ben Funnell and veteran Japanese international scrum-half Atsushi Hiwasa.
The retirements mark the conclusion of a monumental effort by a core group of foundational players who answered the club's call to return and resurrect the franchise for WFR 30. Franks, Romano, Ross, and Crotty—all former Whalers during the club's initial run—rejoined the squad this season to provide the veteran leadership required to restart the side.
The iconic tight-five foundation departs with massive milestones. Double World Cup-winning prop Owen Franks hangs up his boots after making 62 career appearances, while his longtime provincial and international locking partner Luke Romano also bows out. Dynamic lock Isaac Ross leaves the game having anchored the engine room for 34 career matches.
In the backline, midfield maestro Ryan Crotty calls time on his career after recording 57 career matches, leaving an indelible mark on the Whalers' midfield.
The club also bids farewell to two key squad additions who provided critical cover during the grueling WFR 30 campaign. Hooker Ben Funnell retires after a stellar career that previously saw him represent the Pioneers, while international halfback Atsushi Hiwasa wraps up his time on the pitch after being recruited by backs coach Andrew McCormick to brilliantly fulfill the backup scrum-half duties this season.Whalers management extended its deepest gratitude to all six players for their immense contributions to the jersey, noting that their willingness to return and rebuild the side this year has laid a permanent foundation for the next generation of Peninsula rugby.Further announcements regarding the Whalers' player recruitment for WFR 31 will be made in the coming weeks.
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The retirements mark the conclusion of a monumental effort by a core group of foundational players who answered the club's call to return and resurrect the franchise for WFR 30. Franks, Romano, Ross, and Crotty—all former Whalers during the club's initial run—rejoined the squad this season to provide the veteran leadership required to restart the side.
The iconic tight-five foundation departs with massive milestones. Double World Cup-winning prop Owen Franks hangs up his boots after making 62 career appearances, while his longtime provincial and international locking partner Luke Romano also bows out. Dynamic lock Isaac Ross leaves the game having anchored the engine room for 34 career matches.
In the backline, midfield maestro Ryan Crotty calls time on his career after recording 57 career matches, leaving an indelible mark on the Whalers' midfield.
The club also bids farewell to two key squad additions who provided critical cover during the grueling WFR 30 campaign. Hooker Ben Funnell retires after a stellar career that previously saw him represent the Pioneers, while international halfback Atsushi Hiwasa wraps up his time on the pitch after being recruited by backs coach Andrew McCormick to brilliantly fulfill the backup scrum-half duties this season.Whalers management extended its deepest gratitude to all six players for their immense contributions to the jersey, noting that their willingness to return and rebuild the side this year has laid a permanent foundation for the next generation of Peninsula rugby.Further announcements regarding the Whalers' player recruitment for WFR 31 will be made in the coming weeks.