Samoan international forced into early retirement on medical grounds

Harlequins centre Winston Stanley has today confirmed his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.

The 29-year-old Samoan international has been forced to retire on medical grounds.

"I was devastated to receive the news and it has been hard to come to terms with,” said Stanley. “I’d like to thank all the staff involved with Quins for their unwavering support. Especially the strength and conditioning and Medical staff for their exhaustive efforts with my rehabilitation.

“I’d like to thank my family and my wife Eva, for their unrelenting support through-out my career.

“It has been an honour to have had the opportunity to play at the top level, and ultimately finish my career at a famous club such as Harlequins. I have many special memories and wish the Club all the very best going forward.”

Winner of the U20 Junior World Cup with New Zealand and shortlisted for young player of the year in 2009, Stanley scored the match winning try on his full international debut for Samoa against Canada in 2014.

Winston, who appeared 19 times for Harlequins and scored one try, is the youngest brother of All Black Benson Stanley and cousin to Samoan international Michael Stanley.

Director of Rugby John Kingston commented: “Winston has been the ultimate consummate professional in his time at Harlequins. It is, therefore, really very upsetting to have to accept the news that injury is forcing his retirement.

“He is a man who has always given his all to the club, forever putting the group ahead of himself as an individual in the list of priorities. He will be much missed as a player but also as a person. Winston will always be welcome back at The Stoop in the years to come and, on behalf of everyone at Harlequins, we wish him and his family all the very best going forward.”