Morgan Stoddart forced to retire

Scarlets and Wales full-back Morgan Stoddart has announced his retirement from rugby following the serious leg double fracture he sustained playing for Wales against England in August 2011.
Stoddart has been unable to make a full recovery since sustaining the injury before the 2011 Rugby World Cup which subsequently kept him out of the game for the whole of last season.
28-year-old Stoddart returned to action this season in October 2012 following over a year of treatment and detailed individual rehab work with the Scarlets medical team.  His first game back was against the Newport-Gwent Dragons where he scored his last try in a Scarlets shirt.
Recognised as one of Scarlets’ x-factor players, he scored 26 tries in 85 appearances during his seven years with the Scarlets.
He made a try-scoring debut for Wales in November 2007 against South Africa. He secured eight caps for his country and was well on the way to his first Rugby World Cup when the injury occurred.
Stoddart said:  “It is with real sadness that I have to announce my retirement from rugby and it has been a difficult few months as I come to terms with the fact that I was not going to return to full fitness. I have been very fortunate to play for the Scarlets and Wales and have enjoyed every game in my professional career working alongside some brilliant fellow professionals.
“I worked as hard as possible in the year I was off to get back on the pitch and that can be a difficult period for any injured player mentally, as well as physically, but I was determined to get back to playing.
“But ever since I’ve been back on the field I’ve had significant pain in the leg throughout and that has not improved. Following a series of medical tests and consultations, detailed scans and strength tests, I’ve been advised that I cannot continue.
“It’s not easy to give up your rugby career but when it really is impossible to carry on you just have to accept it and get on with it.”