Former England wing Sharples retires with 'immediate effect'

Gloucester have confirmed that club stalwart and former England international Charlie Sharples has retired from professional rugby with immediate effect.

Making 275 appearances for his childhood club, the jet-heeled Sharples scored 455 points in a career that has spanned 15 years.

Sharples has been part of Gloucester since the age of 14 and quickly progressed through the academy ranks, making his first team debut in the 2007-08 season.

An England international, Sharples played for his country four times, scoring twice against Fiji at Twickenham in the 2011 Autumn Internationals.

Known for his speed and innate try-scoring ability, Sharples is a much-loved member of the Cherry and White squad and has given as much to the Club off the field as he has on it.

He was awarded a testimonial season for his service to the Club in the 2017-18 season and helped Gloucester Rugby to silverware in 2011 where he scored four tries in the semi-final before then scoring another vital try in the final to secure the LV= Cup.

He also helped the Cherry and Whites to the Challenge Cup trophy in 2015 when Gloucester Rugby defeated Edinburgh at the Twickenham Stoop.

Growing up supporting Gloucester, Sharples played his rugby at Dursley Rugby Club and St. Peter's School and always dreamed of playing at Kingsholm and is proud of what he has achieved in his career.

Gloucester Rugby’s COO Alex Brown said: “Charlie Sharples has had an incredible career and as a one club man is a true Kingsholm legend. I’ve personally known Charlie for a long time and have had the pleasure of seeing him progress during his time at the Club. He has been a true servant to Gloucester Rugby and can be very proud of what he has achieved.

“Everyone at the Club wishes Charlie all the best for his future off the pitch and we will always welcome him back to the Kingsholm with open arms.”