Richard Blaze announces rugby retirement

[TTRITH]

I'm literally in shock...

I thought he was coming back next month...

Click here for article

Good luck with the future Richard!!

[Sherpa2]

Me too. What an absolute tragedy for such a promissing young talent.

Good luck Blazzy in whatever you decide to do, you will be missed.

[BJ.]

For once, I'm lost for words. I too was expecting him back in the near future.

All the best, big feller. All together now...

Why do you build me up (Build me up)
Buttercup baby just to
let me down (Let me down)
And mess me around
And then worst of all (Worst of all)
You never call baby
When you say you will (Say you will)
But I love you still
I need you (I need you)
More than anyone darlin'
You know that I have from the start

[tb1]

Terrible news .

[tigerbruiser]

From the Press Association

INJURY FORCES BLAZE TO RETIRE
By Andrew Baldock, Press Association Sport Rugby Union Correspondent
Leicester forward Richard Blaze has been forced to retire from professional
rugby at the age of 25 because of injury.
Former England Saxons lock Blaze, who joined Tigers from Worcester in 2007, has
admitted defeat in his battle to overcome a stress fracture of the foot.
He first suffered the injury in 2008, and was then hit by a recurrence last
year. His final Leicester appearance came against London Irish 12 months ago.
"I've worked hard to come back from the injury," said Blaze, an England
under-19 and under-21 international.
"But in the end, I've been advised that the stress fracture is not going to
stand up to the demands of a full-time career and reluctantly announced my
retirement.
"It's obviously a disappointing moment when you get to the stage where you
have to say you cannot play again.
"I've enjoyed my rugby through schools and age-groups, then into the
professional game, and I was really looking to push on when I came to Leicester
in 2007. But now I will have to move on and make decisions about my future."
Leicester rugby director Richard Cockerill added: "It's extremely
disappointing when a young player has to retire prematurely.
"We signed Richard because he was a young player we could see developing well
within our environment, and he made a good impression here on and off the
field.
"It is a great pity that injuries stood in his way, and we all feel for him
now that he is unable to continue.
"He is a big loss to Leicester Tigers, and also to England, as he has been
brought through the international ranks from the age-groups to the verge of the
senior squad."

[tigerbruiser]

I've just posted the PA copy as well

[Purebob]

awful news for us and for Richard.

[SaltyJackTar]

Bad news.

As a player had great potential which unfortunately was not realised. As a person, charming, humourous, quietly spoken but always had time to stop and talk to supporters.

A sad day.

I wish him well for his future.

[BJ.]

I've just posted the PA copy as well

Why start a new thread?

[Tiger_in_Birmingham]

I great shame

I too was expecting him back soon but did have a nag in the back of my mind thinking if it went again that would be it

Bring on Wolverine style metal-fused bones

[WhitecapTiger]

It is a shame, but has always been on the cards no matter how optimistic any of us, including RB, have been.

I wish him all the best for the future in whatever he does.

[Daveyboy]

Whilst it is disappointing for the club, Tigers will carry on, as they always do.

For the player with so much potential and so close to full International honours, however, it must be gut-wrenching.

Best wishes to him.

[Smudge]

I thought his injury was taking a long time to heal.
What a great disappointment for all concerned, especially Richard.

Imagine the hacks/headline writers will miss him too.
He looked like he could have set the rugby world ablaze when he came.
Now we'll never know. Great shame. Good look old chap.

[cornish tigress]

Cr@p. All the best for the future. Gutted. Feet are very badly designed, I have often wondered if we wouldn't be better off with hooves. It would make painting your toenails easier too. I'll get designing for you, Richard.

[drc_007]

Very sad news, good luck with your future plans.