Concussion forces Andy Hazell to retire

Gloucester stalwart Andy Hazell is to retire from professional rugby with immediate effect after failing to recover from a concussion he suffered in pre-season.
Gloucester born and bred, Hazell has spent his entire playing career with his hometown club. His 17 seasons with one club is unmatched in the professional area.
He made his debut for the club as a replacement back in 1997-8 and went on to make more 266 competitive appearances for the club as well as earning seven caps for England.
He said: “Mixed emotions to be honest. Sad that it’s all coming to an end but, at the same time, I’m proud to have played 17 seasons for my home town club. I can’t really grumble.
“It started back in August. I got concussed, came back and then got concussed again. I worked hard to get back, and tried everything but it still wasn’t right. Ultimately, it was too much of a risk at this stage of my career to try and play on.
“For me, it’s been a privilege to play for Gloucester. Watching the team as a youngster, having my family around me, it’s made it a special experience.
“Highlights would be Richard Hill calling me into the office to get my first contract, winning the Powergen Cup at Twickenham and the Amlin Challenge Cup against London Irish.
“I’d like to thank the supporters. They’ve always been great to me. I think if you show them that you’re giving 100% all the time, they’ll always have your back. It’s one of the things I’ll miss the most.”
Director of Rugby Nigel Davies added: “He’s a true servant, a true warrior. He represents everything that’s good about Gloucester, about the club and what it stands for. He’s put his body on the line time and time again for the cause.
“It’s a sad day to see him retiring. It was probably always at the back of his mind that this might be his last season, and he would have wanted to play a few more games, but he’s given everything to the club.
“You have to admire someone like that. Gloucester is everything to him and I know that everyone connected with the club – staff, players and supporters alike, hold him in the highest regard.”