England and Exeter star announces shock retirement - Ruck

England and Exeter star announces shock retirement

Once a Chiefs, always a Chief,’ the words of long-serving Exeter Chiefs star Don Armand, who today has announced he will be retiring at the end of the current campaign.

Brought to Devon back in 2013 from the DHL Stormers, the 33-year-old forward has since established himself as one of the club’s modern-day legends, helping them to both domestic and European glory.

After 193 appearances and 37 tries, Armand is now calling time on his nine-year stint at Sandy Park and will focus his attentions on family life and business matters away from the club.

It has, however, been an amazing journey for the Zimbabwean-born ace, who together with wife Rayanne have created the perfect life for them and their ever-expanding family.

“I’ve had a while to think about it because it wasn’t an easy decision,” explained Armand. “Having done that, I know this is the right thing for me and my family. Bringing to an end a lifetime of rugby, it does fill me with sadness, but equally I go away with so many happy memories.

“There’s no doubt playing the game has made me a way better person than if I went down another route in life. I’ve had so many valuable life lessons, all of which have an influence on you as a person, and it’s those lessons I will use for the next chapter in my life.”


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