England and Lions star quits rugby at 30 in shock announcement
England wing Anthony Watson has been forced to retire on medical grounds at the age of 30.
The two-time British and Irish Lions tourist has decided to hang up his boots after a series of injuries in recent years.
Watson, who made his England debut in 2014, won 56 caps for his country and scored 23 tries. With England, he was part of the side that won Six Nations in 2017 and 2020, while he also picked up a Grand Slam in 2016.
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Watson featured at two World Cups as well in 2015 and 2019, helping England to the final of the latter.
"To be able to play for England 56 times is a dream come true," said Watson upon the announcement of his retirement. "All I wanted to do at the start was play for England once and to be able to do it as many times as I have fills me with pride.
"I can look back with so many fond memories and a smile on my face. I am happy with what I've achieved and I'm ready for what's next."
His strike record at Test level saw him picked for the Lions on tours to New Zealand and South Africa in 2017 and 2021, starting in five Tests for the tourists.
At club level, Watson started his career at London Irish, before going on to join Bath. At the Rec, Watson would play 126 times for the Gallagher Premiership club.
In 2022, he would join Leicester Tigers, whom he played for 23 times as injuries affected his time at Welford Road. A calf injury ruled him out of the 2023 World Cup, while he also struggled with Achilles and back problems.
"Anthony is to be congratulated on a fantastically successful career," said England head coach Steve Borthwick. "I was fortunate to have coached Anthony both at Leicester Tigers and England. He is a humble, hard-working professional man who is universally liked and admired in the game.
"Anthony not only brought his incredible talent to the England shirt every time he played, but he was also a player who was immensely proud to represent his country. We all wish him the best in the next chapter and thank him for everything he did for the England team.”
