CONCUSSION IS A hot topic right now in the world of rugby with the recent cases involving Johnny Sexton and George North.
Away from the international spotlight, there’s been the sad news today that a Cardiff Blues has been forced to hang up his boots because of the injury.
26 year-old Rory Watts-Jones has revealed he is ‘devastated’ after having been advised to bring his rugby career to an end due to a concussion-related injury.
The flanker made his debut against Connacht in September 2012 and went on to play 31 times for the region.
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The official statement released on his behalf reads:
“I am obviously devastated after accepting medical advice that I should retire from rugby. Having put in so much to have my career cut short before I had reached my full potential is hard to take.
“Although it will take time to come to terms with my retirement, I take consolation in the fact that I was able to fulfil my childhood dream and represent my home region.
“As a professional athlete you always strive to aim higher, and I will always wonder what more I could have achieved in the game. But I have no regrets and I am content that I gave my all in every situation; perhaps ultimately to my detriment.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the medical team at Cardiff Blues. Their professionalism and support has been outstanding.
Rory Watts-Jones in action for Cardiff against George Naoupu of Connacht. Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO
Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO / INPHO
“I would also like to thank everyone involved in my rugby career, but most importantly my girlfriend and family without whom none of what I achieved would have been possible.
“I’d also like to thank all the players I’ve played with over the years who have made it so much fun and given me so many fond memories. Rugby is a fantastic sport which teaches you so many life values and skills and it has given me so much.
“I will forever be a Cardiff Blues fan and I wish the current players and staff all the very best in their careers.
“If I could offer one piece of advice it would be to make the most of every minute in the game as you never know when it will be over.”
26-year-old Cardiff Blues player forced to retire due to concussion-related injury
CONCUSSION IS A hot topic right now in the world of rugby with the recent cases involving Johnny Sexton and George North.
Away from the international spotlight, there’s been the sad news today that a Cardiff Blues has been forced to hang up his boots because of the injury.
26 year-old Rory Watts-Jones has revealed he is ‘devastated’ after having been advised to bring his rugby career to an end due to a concussion-related injury.
The flanker made his debut against Connacht in September 2012 and went on to play 31 times for the region.
The official statement released on his behalf reads:
“I am obviously devastated after accepting medical advice that I should retire from rugby. Having put in so much to have my career cut short before I had reached my full potential is hard to take.
“Although it will take time to come to terms with my retirement, I take consolation in the fact that I was able to fulfil my childhood dream and represent my home region.
“As a professional athlete you always strive to aim higher, and I will always wonder what more I could have achieved in the game. But I have no regrets and I am content that I gave my all in every situation; perhaps ultimately to my detriment.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the medical team at Cardiff Blues. Their professionalism and support has been outstanding.
“I would also like to thank everyone involved in my rugby career, but most importantly my girlfriend and family without whom none of what I achieved would have been possible.
“I’d also like to thank all the players I’ve played with over the years who have made it so much fun and given me so many fond memories. Rugby is a fantastic sport which teaches you so many life values and skills and it has given me so much.
“I will forever be a Cardiff Blues fan and I wish the current players and staff all the very best in their careers.
“If I could offer one piece of advice it would be to make the most of every minute in the game as you never know when it will be over.”
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Scotland have lost one of their most important players for the rest of the Six Nations
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Calls It A Day Concussion Injury Rugby Cardiff Blues