Leicester Tigers hooker Finn Theobald-Thomas has been forced to retire from rugby at the age of 23. The former Worcester, Gloucester and England U20s player has ended his career with immediate effect on medical grounds. His final appearance for the Welford Road club came seven months ago, as a replacement against Gloucester in the Slater Cup match at Villa Park. That game was the last of his 33 appearances for Leicester.
Emotional farewell on Instagram
In a post on Instagram, Theobald-Thomas said: "It’s difficult to put into words what rugby has meant to me, which makes this even harder to write. Unfortunately, I have been medically forced to retire from professional rugby. This isn’t how I imagined my career ending, and having something I’ve worked towards and loved for so much of my life taken out of my hands is incredibly difficult to accept."
He added: "But when I look back, a kid from Bradmore lived the dream of playing for his boy hood rugby club, I feel nothing but pride and gratitude. Rugby has given me some of the best moments of my life, friendships that will last forever, and memories I’ll carry with me long after I’ve stopped playing."
Support from club and teammates
The former England age-grade international is being supported by the Rugby Players' Association and Leicester as he begins the transition into retirement. He thanked "every teammate, coach, member of staff, supporter, friend and family member" who had been part of his journey, adding: "I may not have been able to choose when this chapter ended, but I can choose how the next one begins. Thank you, rugby. Been a pleasure."
England scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet commented on his post: "Love ya Babi." Leicester back-row Hanro Liebenberg added: "Lots of love Babi." Tigers fly-half Billy Searle posted: "My ribs won’t miss your late hits in training but the club won’t be the same without you mate."
Coach reaction and squad cover
Tigers head coach Geoff Parling said: "I’m gutted with this news of Finn’s retirement from rugby, both from a team point of view and for him personally to have such a promising rugby journey cut short. He is a loveable bloke who is exactly the type of character you’d want to be around, unselfish and fully invested in the team. We’ll miss him and he knows that he’ll always be part of this team."
Leicester's two first-choice hookers from last season, Jamie Blamire and Charlie Clare, are currently both out injured. New signings Samiuela Moli and Corbin Thunder, who is on a short-term loan from National League 1 side Sale FC, are currently covering the position.
