Aviva Premiership: Wasps centre Lee Thomas retires because of injury
Wasps centre Lee Thomas has been forced to retire because of the serious Achilles injury he suffered last season.
Last Updated: 16/07/13 12:53pm
Thomas ruptured his Achilles against Exeter in November on only his eighth appearance for the club, and he has suffered a number of complications including a re-rupture.
The 29-year-old has been through the agony of seven operations and, with the likelihood of more to come, he has bowed to medical advice and decided to quit the sport.
Thomas previously represented Cardiff, Celtic Warriors, Sale Sharks and Lyon and he played for Wales at all age levels up to Under-21.
He said: "The decision becomes a lot easier once it is taken out of your hands but it is still very difficult to accept.
Thanks
"I would like to thank everyone I have worked with over the years, including coaches, supporters, players and my agent, Christian Abt.
"I am hugely disappointed to not be able to play a part in the ongoing development at London Wasps.
"Having witnessed first-hand the work that Dai Young and his team are doing, I am confident that they will achieve a great amount in the next few years, but I am now looking forward to the next chapter of my life."
Young, the club's director of rugby, said: "It's always very sad to see a player retire, especially when like Lee, they have plenty of years of playing ahead of them.
"It's a real shame because when he suffered the injury he was really beginning to settle into the club and starting to play some great rugby. Lee's a good man and we will help him out in any way we can in the future."
