Former England international Freddie Burns has announced his retirement from professional rugby, using his farewell statement to hit out at critics who doubted he would make it.
The 36-year-old fly-half called time on a career that included five England caps and a Premiership title with Leicester Tigers in 2022, when he scored a dramatic last-minute drop goal in the final. Burns also played for Gloucester, Bath, and clubs in Japan and New Zealand before joining Romanian side Dinamo Bucuresti last year.
A career of resilience
Following a season in Romania, Burns decided it was time to hang up his boots, announcing the news in a heartfelt social media post.
"It is with a heavy but full heart that I announce my retirement from playing professional rugby at the end of this Romanian league season," Burns wrote. "As a child, I dreamed of playing just one minute of professional rugby. To have lived this career for almost two decades is more than I ever imagined. I feel incredibly fortunate."
He thanked his former clubs and family, saying: "To Cinderford, Gloucester, Leicester, Bath, the Highlanders, Shokki and Dinamo, thank you for allowing me to live out my dream. It was a privilege to represent every one of you."
Final message to doubters
Burns also took the opportunity to address those who doubted his ability due to his size as a youngster. Sharing a photo of him celebrating Leicester's 2022 title win, he added: "To those who said I was too small and would never make it... F*** you. Rugby taught me many things, but above all it taught me resilience."
"The setbacks made the successes sweeter, and the challenges shaped the person I am today. Thank you rugby."
