The Chiefs hooker Hika Elliot says he'll consider retiring from rugby over the coming weeks while he recovers from neck surgery.
Elliot was suffering from a bulged disc that became accute while playing for the Maori All Blacks last month against Canada.
After losing sensation in his hands and legs, the former All Black underwent surgery to have two verterbrae fused with bone removed from his hip.
Recovering at home, Elliot says he's unlikely to play for the Chiefs in 2014.
He says sensation has returned to his extremities after the operation released pressure on his spinal cord.
Elliot says he'd like to play for Counties in next year's provincial competition if he decides to return to rugby.