Tom Croft retires with 'immediate effect'

Former England, Lions and current Leicester Tigers backrow Tom Croft has retired with immediate effect.

The 6'6, 105kg 31-year-old forward has been forced to retire on medical grounds - namely a neck injury.

Speaking on the Leicester Tigers website, Croft said: “I’ve played professional rugby at Leicester for 12 years and in that time I’ve enjoyed every second of it. I’ve played alongside and against some incredible players and made many lifelong friends in the game.

“Unfortunately I have also suffered some reasonably significant injuries and now, after seeking advice on a neck injury, I have to announce my retirement as a player.

“Leaving the game has been a massive decision for me, it is all I’ve known since leaving school, but with the issues I’ve had fitness-wise over the last few years and with my wife and two young kids at home, it’s the right time to hang the boots up and move on to the next chapter .”

A Tigers academy graduate, Croft made his senior debut a week after his 20th birthday in 2005, going on to play in four Premiership title-winning teams and in the 2009 European Cup Final during 173 first-team appearances. He also scored 27 tries in a Tigers shirt.

He gained the first of 40 caps for England in 2008 and played in five Tests during two tours with the Lions, memorably scoring two tries on his Test debut for them in South Africa in 2009.

In 2012, Croft suffered a serious neck injury in a Premiership game at Harlequins but returned to action with club and country after an eight-month recovery period. He enjoyed a joint testimonial with Matt Smith in 2015/16, a team-mate he had come through the system with since their time together as teenagers at Oakham School.