England and British & Irish Lions winger Antony Watson has been pressured to retire from the game on medical grounds.
Watson, 30, received 56 caps for England and represented the Lions on their 2017 and 2021 excursions.
“My overarching feeling is of pleasure. I am proud and blessed to have achieved what I did by way of my profession; to have represented my household, my nation and two of the most important golf equipment within the nation,” Watson stated.
“Once I began out, I needed to make my dad greater than anybody proud, I needed to play for England and the Lions with my dad and mom within the crowd and, ultimately, needed to share a second with my kids on the sphere. I can say I’ve achieved all these issues.”
Watson was on Leicester’s books this season and his final look for he Tigers got here in December however he has been pressured to handle Achilles and again points over the previous few seasons. He missed the 2023 World Cup with a calf harm.
Watson will go down as considered one of England’s most interesting wingers up to now decade, whereas he was equally adept at fullback.
His membership profession noticed him begin at London Irish, earlier than transferring to Bathtub in 2013 after which Leicester in 2022. With England, he was a part of the squad that received the 2016, 2017 and 2020 Six Nations, whereas he helped England to the 2019 World Cup ultimate. He scored 23 tries in his 56 Take a look at appearances.
“Anthony is to be congratulated on a fantastically profitable profession,” England head coach Steve Borthwick stated. “I used to be lucky to have coached Anthony each at Leicester Tigers and England. He’s a humble, hard-working skilled man who’s universally appreciated and admired within the recreation.
“Anthony not solely introduced his unbelievable expertise to the England shirt each time he performed, however he was additionally a participant who was immensely proud to signify his nation. All of us want him the very best within the subsequent chapter and thank him for every part he did for the England workforce.”
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