Frank Pritchard

Australian media reports said Pritchard was on life support as a result of complications from Covid-19.

The 38-year-old was believed to have a collapsed lung and other major health issues as a result of the virus.

Along with playing 27 tests for New Zealand, Pritchard had a long NRL career with Penrith, Parramatta and the Bulldogs.

He also played in the UK Super League for Hull and made eight appearances for Samoa before retiring at the end of 2017.

The back-rower who made his name during stints at Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs, took to Instagram to let the league world know of his plans.

After making his Telstra Premiership debut for Penrith in 2003 and playing 144 matches with that club, the man known as ''Frank the Tank'' switched to the Bulldogs and played a further 104 NRL matches over five seasons.

After a one-year stint with Super League club Hull, Pritchard spent what would prove his final NRL season playing alongside his brother Kaysa at the Parramatta Eels.

Wide World of Sports understands that the Eels still have two spots available in their top 30 squad, a position that was established in case winger Semi Radradra returns from a rugby union stint.

Pritchard, 34, managed eight games for the Eels last season after returning from the English Super League where he spent a season with Hull FC.

The Eels forward had previously played with the Bulldogs (2011-15) and Penrith (2003-10) and most recently represented Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup.