'So much pain': England and Lions wing Anthony Watson retires due to injury

Today at 11:06 AM

• Back problem forces 30-year-old to end rugby career
• 'My body will carry a significant amount of deficiency'

The England and British & Irish Lions winger Anthony Watson has retired from rugby aged 30 on medical grounds, having been advised it was no longer safe to continue playing.

Watson, who brings the curtain down with 56 caps, has been beset by injuries of late with a debilitating back problem proving the final straw. Across a career that began with London Irish in 2011, Watson has been blighted by two long-term achilles layoffs, ACL surgery, more recent calf issues and the back injury that left him in "so much pain".