Wasps prop John Yapp forced to retire due to back injury

Wasps' Welsh international prop John Yapp has been forced to retire due to a back injury.

Yapp, who won 21 caps for Wales, has quit the game with immediate effect after receiving medical advice.

The 32-year-old also played for Cardiff, Edinburgh and London Irish during a 13-year professional career and admits the forced retirement has hit him hard.

 “Obviously, you never see yourself having to finish rugby early through injury, but in many ways I feel privileged to have been able to play the game I love for so many years,” said Yapp.

“It’s a hard feeling to get to grips with, knowing I will never be able to get out on the pitch for another game of rugby.

“Unfortunately, while the mind is willing, the body isn’t, but I can look back with great pride and a sense of satisfaction on a long career.

“I have had the privilege of representing my country – something many of us dreamed about as young lads growing up in Wales – as well as some fantastic clubs and regions.”

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: “It is always sad to see a player forced to retire before they are ready, but John can look back with immense pride at everything he has achieved in the game over the past 13 years. 

“I remember him as a 19-year-old when I was player-coach at Cardiff and he went on to develop into a top-class prop for his country as well as his club. He is also a fantastic guy to boot and on behalf of everyone at Wasps, I wish John and his family the very best for the future.”