Anthony Watson retires: Former England Rugby World Cup and Lions star is forced to quit at 30 due to 'horrendous' injury problems
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Anthony Watson has announced his retirement from rugby on medical grounds after an impressive career with England and the British & Irish Lions, as well as Leicester and Bath. Watson, 30, made his last appearance for the Tigers this season, but has struggled with injury for the past two years.
![[The 30-year-old has unfortunately struggled with injuries across the past two years]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/17/11/94206823-0-image-a-30_1737112915262.jpg)
The flying wing, who started his career with London Irish, won 56 caps for his country and won three Six Nations titles. He toured twice with the Lions in 2017 and 2021 and played at two World Cups in 2015 and 2019. Watson said: 'My overarching feeling is of pride.
![[The flying wing, who started his career with London Irish, won 56 caps for his country and won three Six Nations titles]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/17/11/94206813-0-image-a-31_1737112919307.jpg)
'I'm proud and blessed to have done what I did through my career – to have represented my family, my country and two of the biggest clubs in the country. Anthony Watson has announced his retirement from rugby on medical grounds after an impressive career with England and the British & Irish Lions.
![[Watson made 122 appearances for Bath before ultimately deciding to leave the club in 2022]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/17/11/94206929-0-image-m-36_1737113084196.jpg)
The 30-year-old has unfortunately struggled with injuries across the past two years. The flying wing, who started his career with London Irish, won 56 caps for his country and won three Six Nations titles. 'When I started out, I wanted to make my dad proud more than anyone.
![[Watson's remarkable pace and eye for the try line saw him quickly become an international regular with England and the Lions]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/17/11/94206821-0-image-a-32_1737112931990.jpg)
'I wanted to play for England and the Lions with my parents in the crowd and, eventually, wanted to share a moment with my children on the field. I can say I've done all those things.'. He had previously described his recovery from back surgery as 'horrendous' during an interview with the BBC in October where he stated: 'It was a horrendous road, six or seven months, I'll be honest. It was frustrating and it was bigger than just a muscle injury or a tendon strain - it was more serious.'.
![[England coach Steve Borthwick heaped praise on Watson after his retirement was confirmed]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/17/11/94206857-0-image-a-34_1737112982850.jpg)
