Australia fly-half Berrick Barnes has been forced to take a break from the game.
The NSW Waratahs' playmaker announced his decision after medical advice following last weekend's victory over the Highlanders. Barnes was forced from the field in the first half and later suffered a 'footballer's migraine'.
"It's coming on in a bit of a wave at the moment and I'm having a few more (headaches) than I usually have had in the past, so it's probably time to address it now before it becomes too much of a problem," said Barnes.
"I'll liaise with the medical staff but also find some alternative routes to try and look into this sort of thing.
"The medical staff have been great and have assured me it's nothing that's going to affect me long term – which is positive."
The 25-year-old is hoping to be named in the Wallabies World Cup squad next month despite withdrawing from the remainder of the Super Rugby season to deal with head knock-related issues.
Barnes, 25, has ruled out retirement and has had an encouraging meeting with Wallabies coach Robbie Deans on Monday.
"I've spoken to Robbie … I've been liaising with him and the Wallabies doctor as well and they've both been very helpful," Barnes said.
"We only had a brief chat, he was more worried about me and my well-being and that's the most important thing."
The former Brisbane Broncos NRL player is hoping to make his return at club level for Sydney University in a bid to push for selection in the Wallabies World Cup squad which Deans will name on July 10.
"That's my avenue I'll be coming back to play my footy in and hopefully give myself the opportunity to be selected for the World Cup," added Barnes.
NSW play the Brumbies in their final Super Rugby match at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
And Barnes insists it would not be fair on his teammates to continue playing while the Waratahs still have a chance of reaching the play-offs.
"To be coming off after 30 minutes or even 60 for that matter is not helping anybody.
"It's been extremely frustrating … There's no doubt that this is not just physiological it's psychological as well and I've got to get over that.
"I'm not hiding from the fact that I've been a bit a frustrated about things and that's probably causing some of the issues I'm having as well."
