Gloucester‘s stalwart winger Charlie Sharples will retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.
Initially planning on retiring at the end of the season, a shoulder injury means he has had to retire earlier than planned.
The Cherry and White winger has played 275 times for his childhood club and has scored 455 points in a career which has seen him become one of Gloucester Rugby’s biggest contributors in the professional era.
Sharples has been part of Gloucester Rugby since the age of 14 and quickly progressed through the academy ranks, making his first team debut in the 2007-08 season.
An England international, Sharples played for his country four times, scoring twice against Fiji at Twickenham in the 2011 Autumn Internationals.
Known for his speed and innate try scoring ability, Sharples is a much-loved member of the Cherry and White squad and has given as much to the Club off the field as he has on it.
He also helped the Cherry and Whites to the Challenge Cup trophy in 2015 when Gloucester Rugby defeated Edinburgh at the Twickenham Stoop.
Growing up supporting Gloucester Rugby, Sharples played his rugby at Dursley Rugby Club and St. Peter’s School and always dreamed of playing at Kingsholm and is proud of what he has achieved in his career.
Sharples told the club website: “I have a lot of clarity around it now and definitely feel that it is the right decision. It’s obviously tinged with a bit of disappointment as well, with what I wasn’t able to achieve this season. Ultimately it’s the right thing and I’ll be able to reflect on my career down the line. I’m very proud of what I’ve been able to do for Gloucester Rugby.
“I’m not going to be a stranger. This is my home and I’ll always support the Club and I want to stay involved, albeit in a different capacity.”
Whilst Charlie is retiring from playing, he will still very much be a part of the Club and will be taking up an ambassadorial role as well as becoming a member of the former player’s committee.
Gloucester Rugby’s COO Alex Brown thanked to Charlie’s commitment during his time at Kingsholm.
“Charlie Sharples has had an incredible career and as a one club man is a true Kingsholm legend.
“I’ve personally known Charlie for a long time and have had the pleasure of seeing him progress during his time at the Club. He has been a true servant to Gloucester Rugby and can be very proud of what he has achieved.
“Everyone at the Club wishes Charlie all the best for his future off the pitch and we will always welcome him back to the Kingsholm with open arms.”
