Tom Rees, the Wasps flanker who seemed destined to become England captain, has been forced to retire with a serious knee injury.
Rees, who won 15 caps, has fought a seemingly endless battle against knee and shoulder injuries requiring surgery and months of rehabilitation.
The 27-year-old suffered his latest injury in pre-season and has been advised to quit immediately, joining club mates Joe Worsley, Steve Thompson and Dan Ward-Smith in retiring this season.
Rees said: “I’m gutted that I have been forced to retire at a time when I feel I could have contributed so much more to my club. While I will always think what might have been, I will also look back on my career and what I achieved with a great deal of pride. Over the last nine years I have been privileged to take part in my hobby for a living and I am extremely grateful for that opportunity.”
England coach Stuart Lancaster said: “It’s going to be a shame that he will never be able to display his talent on the world stage again.”
