1
Injury-plagued Saracens duo forced into early retirements
By Josh Raisey
Saracens prop Ralph Adams-Hale and lock Cameron Boon have both announced their retirements at the end of the season following long injury battles.
Loosehead Adams-Hale, 27, has been beset by shoulder and ankle injuries during his career, while Boon, 24, has had a back issue this season.
Both came through the Saracens academy, but injuries limited the prop to just 29 appearances, while the second row only played eleven games.
“Having been with Saracens since I was 16, I’ve made the difficult decision to retire at the end of the season due to injury," the former England U20s prop Adams-Hale said.
"It was not an easy choice to make, and I deeply wish I could keep playing, however I have been medically advised to retire because of my shoulder and I must prioritise my long-term health and well-being.
"Reflecting on my time in rugby, at my childhood club of Harpenden RFC and then Saracens, I’m so grateful for all the opportunities, challenges and triumphs that have shaped me both on and off the field. I have grown up through the club and I know the values that Saracens holds at its core will always be with me. Wherever I end up next, I’ll have the friendships I’ve gained and always feel part of the club.
"I want to thank everyone at the club, physios, coaches, S&C, players and everyone else for being part of my journey. Your skill and belief in me always drove me to bigger and better things.
"Finally, thank you to all the supporters, you make the dream of playing professional rugby possible and for that I’m forever grateful."
Boon said: “Thank you to everyone who has been involved in my rugby career and giving me the opportunity to live a young lads dream."
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall added: “Ralph has faced up to some incredibly difficult challenges during his career with a resolve that has earned him the respect of everyone at the club.
"In his relatively short career, we got to see a gifted and talented player but more importantly a selfless, positive teammate. We of course wish Ralph all the best for the future.
“Boony has had a very difficult experience as a player due to the number of injuries he has had to contend with. A real student of the game, he has the potential to become an outstanding coach. We wish him well for his future.”
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Gloucester respond to complaints over Russian flag
3
'Best forward in the country': Dallaglio calls for new England captain
4
Ex-England S&C coach on their 'rugby strong' player
5
Latest Comments
In regards to Mack Hansen, Tuipoloto and others who talent wasnt 'seen'..
If we look at acting, soccer and cricket as examples, Hugh Jackman, the Heminsworths in acting; Keith Urban in Nashville, Mike Hussey and various cricketers who played in UK and made the Australian team; and many soccer players playing overseas.
My opinion is that perhaps the ' 'potential' or latent talent is there, but it's just below the surface.
ANd that decision, as made by Tane Edmed, Noah, Will Skelton to go overseas is the catalyst to activate the latent and bring it to the surface.
Based on my personal experience of leaving Oz and spending 14 months o/s, I was fully away from home and all usual support systems and past memories that reminded me of the past.
Ooverseas, they weren't there. I had t o survive, I could invent myself as who I wanted, and there was no one to blame but me.
It bought me alive, focused my efforts towards what I wanted and people largely accepted me for who I was and how I turned up.
So my suggestion is to make overseas scholarships for younger players and older too so they can benefit from the value offered by overseas coaching acumen, established systems, higher intensity competition which like the pressure that turns coal into diamonds, can produce more Skeltons, Arnold's, Kellaways and the like.
After the Lion's tour say, create 20 x $10,000 scholarships for players to travel and play overseas.
Set up a HECS style arrangement if necessary to recycle these funds ongoingly.
Ooverseas travel, like parenthood or difficult life situations brings out people's physical and emotional strengths in my own experiences, let's use it in rugby.
Go to commentsI agree what a load of crap! The ABs are elite sportsmen and ALL sportsmen want to challenge themselves against the best. And where better than Eden Park - some say that is our fortress. Well the ABs will relish the chance to build on that notion I am sure.
Go to comments