Martin Corry has announced that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the current season.
Tigers skipper to hang up boots at end of season
Martin Corry has announced that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the current season.
The Leicester Tigers captain confirmed the news following his side's 24-10 play-off victory over Bath that secured their place in the Guinness Premiership final against London Irish.
"The hardest decision a player ever has to make is when it is time to all it a day," he explained after the Bath win.
"I have enjoyed many fantastic moments in my career at club and international level, and if it was down to heart and mind I would love to continue playing.
"But unfortunately I have taken specialist medical advice and my body has said that is it.
"I have been able to play the game I love as a professional for a long time and I have some great memories."
Illustrious career
Corry, 35, has won every major honour with club and country. After spells with Newcastle and Bristol, he joined Leicester Tigers in 1997 and has since won five Premiership titles, two Heineken Cups and an EDF Energy Cup, captaining the club to the first league and cup double of the professional era in 2006/07.
He won 64 caps for England, including three Rugby World Cup campaigns, in one of which he was a winner, and two seasons as captain. He also played in seven Tests for the British & Irish Lions.
Now, with a Heineken Cup final against Leinster hot on the heels of next weekend's premiership final, Corry is hoping to sign off on a real high.
And the World Cup winner would love nothing more than a final flourish to help Leicester to a momentous rugby double in the space of just nine days.
But, although it would make a fitting end to an illustrious career, Corry is expecting no favours from head coach Richard Cockerill.
"If somebody is more injured than I am then I'd be in the mix," said Corry, whose chronic pelvic and back problems forced his decision to quit at 35.
"But there's a time when you have to say not what's best for me but what is best for the club. And what is best for the club is that they have the best 15 on the field.
"If I can get on, great, but the most important thing is that the team keep playing like they did in the first half against Bath which I thought was sensational.
"I don't think Cockers (Cockerill) and sentimental go hand in hand and I don't want that either. I don't want a bit of charity at the end. I only want it if I deserve it
Model professional
Tigers chairman Peter Tom said: "Martin has been the very model of professionalism in his career, both as a player and as a captain, and he is also a great all-round gentleman.
"He is respected and admired throughout rugby and has always been a tremendous ambassador for the game as well as a world-class player.
"We count him as a true Leicester Tigers legend and he has made a huge contribution to Leicester Tigers both on and off the field.
"Martin and his family will always be welcome at Welford Road."
Former team-mate and predecessor to the England captaincy Martin Johnson had nothing but good to say about his friend.
"For eight years it was a privilege to play alongside Martin Corry for Tigers, England and the British & Irish Lions," he said.
"Martin was one of the most wholehearted and committed players that I ever played alongside. I have some fantastic memories of the times we were part of the same team."
