Andre Savelio, the 29-year-old forward for Huddersfield Giants, has announced his departure from the club and his decision to step away from full-time rugby league due to a rare brain condition.
The move comes after doctors advised Savelio to consider his options following a reoccurrence of the condition that has affected him throughout his 10-year playing career.
Savelio and Huddersfield Giants have reached a mutual agreement to end his contract, allowing him to focus on his health.
The forward expressed gratitude towards the club for their support during what he described as his "toughest year so far in Rugby League".
"The move is on good terms, and I'm going to take some time to look after my personal health, and reassess what my options are moving forward," Savelio told the club's website.
Huddersfield Giants Managing Director Richard Thewlis commented, "I'm sure this would have been a difficult decision for Andre to arrive at but it's one we've supported him in and wish him every success in the future."
Andre Savelio has been forced into stepping away from rugby league
PA
The nature of Savelio's condition means he is not required to give up the game completely.
Issues tend to arise from workload rather than the physical elements of the sport.
A venture into part-time rugby league remains a possibility for the 2025 season, should Savelio choose to pursue it.
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Savelio's rugby league career began at St Helens, where he made his debut as a teenager.
He later played for Warrington Wolves before a brief stint with Brisbane Broncos in the NRL, though injuries limited his opportunities there.
In 2019, Savelio joined Hull FC, making 64 appearances over five years.
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He then signed with Huddersfield Giants ahead of the 2024 season.
Throughout his career, Savelio has played 150 games and scored 31 tries.
Andre Savelio has played 150 times in rugby league
PA
His time at Huddersfield was limited to just nine appearances due to his health issues.
Savelio's departure will free up salary cap space for Huddersfield Giants, providing new head coach Luke Robinson with more flexibility to recruit and shape his squad for the 2025 campaign.
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Andre Savelio only played nine times for the Huddersfield Giants
PA
This follows the recent departure of Jake Connor to Leeds Rhinos, further altering the Giants' roster.
The club had been seeking to create room within their salary cap, and Savelio's situation presented an opportunity to address this need.
