London Wasps lock Richard Birkett has been forced to retire from rugby as a result of a neck injury.
The 33-year-old, who made over 250 appearances for London Wasps, was sidelined since a head on collision during the A League game against Saracens earlier this year.
But he failed to recover and, after seeking professional specialist advice, he has been advised to retire from the sport.
A rarity in the modern game, Birkett has been a one club man for his entire career, having made his debut in 1999 winning four Premiership finals (2003, 2004, 2005 and 2008) as well as featuring in the victorious Heineken Cup final in 2004.
Birkett said: “After 14 years of rugby my body has unfortunately given up on me. However, I leave the game content in the fact that I was a part of an amazing era in Wasps history. Those memories will never leave me and I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved. I’ve made some fantastic friends along the way and I have enjoyed almost every minute.”
“The timing of my departure from the game is disappointing for me as I will not be able to be part of the new era at Wasps, which I genuinely believe has enormous potential. It’s been a pleasure working with such raw young talent and I’m sure that Dai and the rest of the coaching team will continue to create a team to be reckoned with.”
“My thanks go out to all of the Wasps family who have made it such a great place to be over so many years and I am sure I will see you in the stands!”
Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “Since I came to the club last season, Richard has been an integral part of the squad. As a senior player he has been a leader both on and off of the field. In the modern game it is very rare that a player will stay with a club for their whole career but Birky has been a key component of this club for a 14 year period and he will be a loss to us.
“He formed a tremendous partnership with Simon Shaw throughout a very successful period for the Club and although he didn’t get the international recognition that others in that side did, he was a fundamental part of their success and will go down as a true Wasps great.”
Wish him well @RichBirkett
