ANTHONY WATSON RETIRES: FORMER ENGLAND RUGBY WORLD CUP AND LIONS STAR IS FORCED TO QUIT AT 30 DUE TO 'HORRENDOUS' INJURY PROBLEMS

• The celebrated international star has been forced to retire due to difficult injuries
• Repetitive physical problems have hampered the star over the past two years
• England head coach Steve Borthwick congratulated the winger on his retirement

Anthony Watson has announced his retirement from rugby on medical grounds after an impressive career with England and the British & Irish Lions, as well as Leicester and Bath.

Watson, 30, made his last appearance for the Tigers this season, but has struggled with injury for the past two years.

The flying wing, who started his career with London Irish, won 56 caps for his country and won three Six Nations titles.

He toured twice with the Lions in 2017 and 2021 and played at two World Cups in 2015 and 2019.

Watson said: 'My overarching feeling is of pride.

'I'm proud and blessed to have done what I did through my career – to have represented my family, my country and two of the biggest clubs in the country.

'When I started out, I wanted to make my dad proud more than anyone.

'I wanted to play for England and the Lions with my parents in the crowd and, eventually, wanted to share a moment with my children on the field. I can say I've done all those things.'

He had previously described his recovery from back surgery as 'horrendous' during an interview with the BBC in October where he stated: 'It was a horrendous road, six or seven months, I'll be honest. It was frustrating and it was bigger than just a muscle injury or a tendon strain - it was more serious.'

Watson's remarkable pace and eye for the try line saw him quickly become an international regular after his debut in 2014. His time in the game has been cruelly cut short.

England coach Steve Borthwick said: 'Anthony is to be congratulated on a fantastically successful career. I was fortunate to have coached Anthony both at Leicester and England.

'He is a humble, hard-working professional man who is universally liked and admired in the game. Anthony not only brought his incredible talent to the England shirt every time he played, but he was also a player who was immensely proud to represent his country.

'We all wish him the best in the next chapter and thank him for everything he did for the England team.'

Leicester general manager Richard Wilks added: 'On behalf of the club, I want to thank Anthony for his contribution to Leicester. While his time at the club hasn't gone exactly how he or the club would have wanted, his presence and experience has been of great value.

'His dedication to getting back out on the field this year was truly special and a great testament to him as an athlete, professional and person.

'Anthony is one of the most talented players this country has produced and we are proud he represented Leicester during his decorated career.

'We are excited to see him continue to make an impact beyond his playing career.

'He will always be welcome at Leicester and we wish him and his family the very best in their next chapter.'

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2025-01-17T11:59:32Z