Anthony Watson was forced to retire from rugby for medical reasons at the age of 30.
The winger won 56 caps for England in almost a decade at international level and completed two tours with the British and Irish Lions, starting five tests in 2017 and 2021.
Watson has, however, increasingly struggled with injuries, missing the 2023 World Cup after suffering a calf problem ahead of the tournament after being named in Steve Borthwick’s squad.
He has since dealt with Achilles and back problems, appearing just five times for Leicester Tigers this season, and made the decision to step away from the sport.
“My overriding feeling is pride,” said Watson, who spent nine years at Bath after breaking through with London Irish. “I am proud and lucky to have done what I have done throughout my career; for representing my family, my country and two of the biggest clubs in the country.
“When I started I wanted to make my dad proud more than anyone, I wanted to play for England and the Lions with my parents in the crowd and ultimately I wanted to share a moment with my children on the pitch. can say that I did all these things.
Watson made his England debut against New Zealand in 2014 and has appeared in two World Cups, starting the final defeat against South Africa in 2019.
His last international appearance came in the warm-up defeat against Ireland in August 2023. His tally of 23 tries in an England shirt is the eighth highest for a men’s international.
“Anthony is to be congratulated on a fantastically successful career,” said England head coach Steve Borthwick. “I have been fortunate to have coached Anthony both at Leicester Tigers and in England. He is a humble and hard-working professional man who is universally liked and admired throughout football.
“Anthony not only brought his incredible talent to the England shirt every time he played, but he was also an extremely proud player to represent his country. We all wish him the best for the next chapter and thank him for everything he has done for the England team.
Watson looks likely to continue playing a key role in the game after being appointed as a board member of Team England Rugby (TER), the splinter group which has taken responsibility – and received recognition – for negotiating on behalf of the England team with the Rugby Football Union after the senior men’s team ended its relationship with the Rugby Players Association (RPA).