Statement: Borthwick responds to England stars shock retirement
Today at 03:50 AM
Steve Borthwick has released a statement after Anthony Watson announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 30 on medical grounds, bringing down the curtain on a career plagued by injuries.
Join the RUCK's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
The England and British & Irish Lions star, who earned 56 caps, was advised that continuing to play was no longer safe due to a severe back problem that left him in "so much pain."
Across a career that began with London Irish in 2011, Watson endured multiple setbacks, including two achilles ruptures, ACL surgery, calf issues, and the back injury that ultimately forced his hand. Despite these challenges, the versatile back built an enviable résumé, appearing at two World Cups for England, featuring on two Lions tours, and enjoying a standout nine-year stint at Bath.
Reflecting on his decision, Watson said:
"I think my body will carry a significant amount of, I guess, deficiency as a result of playing rugby. Stopping now probably allows me to do the basic things I need to do as a dad, husband, and son, so that is the priority."
The Final Chapter: Leicester and Beyond
Watson's move to Leicester Tigers in 2021 promised a fresh start, but injuries continued to disrupt his playing time. His two-and-a-half-year spell at Welford Road saw him make just 23 appearances, the last coming against Sale Sharks in December.
"As I walked off against Sale, I knew there was a chance this might be the last one," Watson admitted. "I was in so much pain. I'd taken a lot of painkillers just to get to that point in the game. I had no influence on the game. After that, it was straight back to the surgeon."
Attempts to manage the injury through injections proved unsuccessful, and the final decision was taken out of his hands:
"He [the surgeon] tried another injection… that would bring it to eight or nine injections. I would hate to think how many I've had, and it wasn't as successful as we wanted it to be. Beyond that, he was [saying], 'I don't think it's safe anymore to carry on playing.' It was taken out of my hands, and I'm quite grateful it was done that way."
A Storied Career
Despite his misfortune with injuries, Watson leaves an impressive legacy. His tally of 23 international tries places him eighth on England's all-time list, with the last of those scored during the 2023 Six Nations. He also earned recognition for his performances on the Lions tours of 2017 and 2021, further solidifying his reputation as one of the game's most exciting backs.
Borthwick's Tribute
England head coach Steve Borthwick, who brought Watson to Leicester, was among those to pay tribute:
"I was fortunate to have coached Anthony both at Leicester Tigers and England. He is a humble, hard-working professional man who is universally liked and admired in the game. He is to be congratulated on a fantastically successful career."
Rugby Poll:
EDITORS PICKS:
- England legend Joe Marler picks his dream 5-a-side football team
- Louis Rees-Zammit could be making shock return to rugby union
- England hopeful fly half signs contract extension with Gloucester Rugby
- Steve Borthwick Slammed for How He's Treated Jamie George
- Jonah Lomu included England legend when naming his toughest ever opponent
Can you name the Six Nations players with the most appearances in the tournament?
From reliable stalwarts to all-time greats, this quiz challenges your knowledge of the 21 players who’ve made the most appearances in Six Nations history.
You've got five minutes on the clock—think you're up to the task?
MORE QUIZZES:
- Can you name all 80 England captains of the professional era?
- Can you name every member of the 2017 British and Irish Lions?
- Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2
- Can you name these 10 England one-cap wonders…
- Can you name the entire British & Irish Lions squad from their tour of New Zealand in 2005?
The post Statement: Borthwick responds to England stars shock retirement appeared first on Ruck.
