Injury-plagued Saracens duo forced into early retirements

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.”