England Rugby star retires at 30 due to ‘horrific’ injuries

England international player Anthony Watson has announced his retirement from Rugby due to a series of ‘horrendous’ injury problems.

A back problem, which occurred last January, was the final trigger for Watson, doctors recommended that he, at 30, end his career.

“That back injury required surgery and kept reviving, it wasn’t healing the way we wanted it to,” Watson said.

“Until a match against Sale, I felt good. Then suddenly it took a dramatic turn to the point where I couldn’t even sit down. From there it didn’t look too good.”

Watson spoke about his harrowing journey ahead of the Sale match on December 1, revealing he struggled to sleep and took a large number of painkillers just to play.

Once the match was over, Watson immediately returned to the surgeon to discuss next steps.

After a new injection failed to relieve his pain, he was faced with the heartbreaking decision.

“He said, ‘I don’t think it’s safe for you to continue playing,’” Watson said.

“This decision was made without me and I’m quite grateful for that.”

Watson retires after being cruelly deprived of the chance to represent England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup due to a calf injury.

These persistent physical problems in recent years have also limited Watson to just seven appearances for Leicester Tigers in the Gallagher Premiership over the past two seasons.

The wing player joined Leicester after nine brilliant years with Bath.

Watson ends his career with 23 tries scored in 56 caps for England.

Throughout his international career, Watson helped England win three Six Nations titles as well as reaching the final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Watson also took part in two tours with the British and Irish Lions in 2017 and 2021, to New Zealand and South Africa respectively.

Despite the cruel way his career ended, Watson looks back on his journey with a sense of ‘pride’.

“I am proud and lucky to have represented my family, my country and two of the biggest clubs in the country,” Watson said.

“When I started, I wanted to make my father proud above all.

“I wanted to play for England and the Lions in front of my parents in the stands, and ultimately, I wanted to share a moment with my children on the pitch.

“I can say I did all that.”

England manager Steve Borthwick, who managed Watson at Leicester and internationally, praised the 30-year-old for a ‘fantastically successful career’.

“He is a humble, professional man, appreciated and admired by everyone in the industry,” Borthwick said.

“Anthony not only brought his incredible talent to the table every time he pulled on the England shirt, but he was also a player who took immense pride in representing his country.

“We wish him all the best for the future and thank him for everything he has done for the England team.”

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