Tigers stalwart Tait retires due to injury

Former England international Mathew Tait has announced his retirement at the age of 33 due to an Achilles injury.

The versatile Leicester Tigers stalwart decided to quit on medical advice, having been unavailable for much of this season.

Tait made his England debut at the age of 18 and went on to earn 38 caps – including one in the 2007 Rugby World Cup final defeat to South Africa.

He spent eight seasons with the Tigers after spells with Newcastle Falcons and Sale Sharks.

#ThanksTaity pic.twitter.com/QTNwR9S4uT

— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) February 26, 2019

Tait said: “It isn’t how I planned to finish up but ultimately, this ongoing problem with my Achilles has caught up with me and, on the advice of people much more in the know than me, it’s the right time to call it quits.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Tigers over the past eight years. Having played against Leicester before arriving at the club, it was a dream to be able to call Welford Road home and I leave having enjoyed many special memories with a lot of special people over my time here.

“I’ve been so fortunate to achieve many things in the game and it’s hard to pinpoint one highlight, let alone a few, but obviously being able to win the Premiership [in 2012-13] with Tigers stands out, as well as representing my country and, of course, playing in a World Cup final.

“I also think being able to have played against and alongside my brother Alex is something I’ll always remember as being very special.”

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