Newcastle Falcons prop Scott Wilson has been forced to retire from professional rugby due to injury.
The 24-year-old has made 80 appearances for the Falcons’ first team since coming through the club’s academy, making his debut as an 18-year-old and going on to play for England’s second-string national side, the Saxons.
“I’ve been playing rugby since I was six and my dream was always to play for Newcastle Falcons,” said Wilson, the Berwick native who scored a try in last season’s European Challenge Cup quarter-final victory over Brive.
It’s a sad day for us all at Newcastle Falcons as we reveal the news that homegrown prop Scott Wilson has been forced to retire through injury. Thanks for your contribution to the club, Scotty, and we will of course support you in any way we can https://t.co/hCaQx90LZ1 pic.twitter.com/E1u3bryfDo
— Newcastle Falcons (@FalconsRugby) August 24, 2018
“Kingston Park Stadium is where I first started watching rugby, my uncle brought me down to watch the games and I used to stand on the North Terrace come rain, shine, hail or snow to watch the Falcons play. To then go on and be able to play for the team I love has been the biggest highlight, and I’ve got no regrets.
“I’m only 24 but having received a neck injury at Exeter in the Premiership semi-final in May, I have now been told by the doctor that I have to retire, which is obviously a huge blow.”
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Newcastle Falcons’ director of rugby Dean Richards was quick to highlight Wilson’s positive contribution to the club, saying: “Scott is a much-loved character here and a hugely-talented rugby player, so it is an enormous shame for him to have to retire from the game at such a young age.
“There is a bigger picture to consider from Scott’s point of view in regards to his long-term wellbeing. It wasn’t an easy moment when he broke the news to the rest of the squad, but everyone here places an enormous value on what Scott has given to this club over the years. We wish Scott all the best for the future, and it goes without saying we will support him in whatever way we can.”