Thursday 29 March 2018 12:31, UK
Wasps have announced that flanker Sam Jones has been forced to retire due to an ankle injury sustained while he was on international duty with England.
The 26-year-old suffered an ankle dislocation during a judo training session with England in October 2016.
Wasps said in a statement: "This caused significant additional damage including a fracture of the fibular bone, disruption of the ligaments joining the main bones of the ankle, a rupture of the medial ligament plus significant damage to ankle cartilage.
"After a series of operations, he has worked tirelessly in an attempt to return to action.
"However, after making several abortive attempts, the hard-working back-rower has finally been forced to concede defeat and bring his playing career to an end."
Director of rugby Dai Young admits it is a huge blow to the club to lose a player he viewed as a future captain and England regular.
"It's awful news. Being a Director of Rugby for 16 years, unfortunately it's not the first time I've known a player retire through an injury, but Sam's situation has really hit me hard," Young said.
"When I came into the club we had a lot of retirements and injuries. We needed someone to step up and lead from the front and Sam Jones was that man. He was only a young man, but was someone I could rely on - he's been a rock for me throughout my tenure at Wasps.
"Not only is he a fantastic rugby player, but he is a fantastic bloke as well. His maturity and work ethic on the field shone off it as well.
"His physicality in everything he did on the field really stood out. He was destined to be a Wasps legend and a club captain and I'm sure those things would have led to many England caps."
"He was destined to be a Wasps legend and a club captain and I'm sure those things would have led to many England caps."
Jones broke into Wasps' senior side on a regular basis in 2011 and made 118 appearances, including a number as captain.
He appeared alongside Elliot Daly, Joe Launchbury, Dan Robson and Christian Wade in the 2011 U20 World Cup final, then in subsequent years to earn selection for England Saxons prior to his call-up for the senior squad in 2016.
That his England dream turned into a career-ending nightmare is tough for Jones to take and he admits the decision to finally retire was a difficult one to come to.
"Unfortunately, the injury was a complicated one and my rehab wasn't progressing the way we wanted, with multiple set-backs along the way," Jones said.
"I've therefore reluctantly had to listen to medical advice and retire from rugby. The decision was made for me, which was tough to hear. But it's a decision that I understand is in my best interests.
"I'd like to thank the players who have kept me going through this long spell. Being injured can be extremely difficult, but having them around has made the process a lot easier to cope with.
"For me, getting selected for England based on my club form was a huge achievement and I'm proud that was my last contribution to the game.
"Looking back, highlights were captaining Wasps in the London double-header at Twickenham, surviving relegation in my first full season and playing for the Barbarians against the British and Irish Lions in Hong Kong.
"I gave it everything and don't have any regrets from my time playing. I've made mates and memories for life. Thanks to all those who helped me along the way and most importantly my friends and family for their constant support.
"I can now switch focus to the future, whatever that holds, which is exciting and daunting in equal measure."
