England rugby sensation Sam Jones was forced to call time on his career at the tender age of 26, following a devastating leg injury incurred during a judo session with fellow player Maro Itoje.
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The setback occurred during a training camp in 2016, where Jones, a prominent flanker for Wasps, sustained both a shattered leg and a busted ankle in the grappling exchange with Itoje, a rising star predicted to lead the national team.
Initially anticipated to recover within five months, Jones had been gearing up for his full debut in the Autumn Internationals. However, the severity of the injury far exceeded expectations, leading to the difficult decision to retire.
Expressing his disappointment, Jones said, “Unfortunately the injury was a complicated one and my rehab wasn’t progressing the way we wanted, with multiple set-backs along the way. The decision was made for me, which was tough to hear.
“I gave it everything and don’t have any regrets from my time playing.”
“Maro Itoje has texted me several times throughout the process. I don’t blame him at all.
“There isn’t any [bitterness]. I’m lucky to have experienced what I did. You play the hand you are dealt and you get on with life.
“The intensity of the environment is geared to take you out of your comfort zone at all costs and at that time it was working.
“I suppose that’s what happened — I was out of my comfort zone and that was the aim. These things happen.”
NEW CAREER:
He now manages a restaurant in London.
Summary: “Top-quality Sri Lankan food” – full of “interesting flavours” – draws an appreciative crowd to this modern venue “in the heart of Soho”, where the kitchen combines carefully sourced British produce with South Asian spicing. It’s run by former Wasps rugby player Jones, with consultant Zeren Wilson advising on the low-intervention wine list.
“End of an era” – Steve Borthwick set to drop FIVE aging stars after 2024 Six Nations
Steve Borthwick may be forced to make serious changes to his England squad for the summer fixtures against Japan and New Zealand with a number of aging stars set to move on.
#1. Danny Care
Dynamic and quick-thinking, Danny Care has been a versatile asset to the England rugby team since his debut in 2008. Born in 1987, Care is a scrum-half known for his sniping runs, quick passes, and try-scoring ability.
His ability to change the tempo of a game and exploit gaps in the defense makes him a valuable asset. With numerous caps to his name, Care’s contributions have been vital to England’s success in the Six Nations and on the international stage.
Earning his 100th cap against Ireland in round four was a fitting achievement, yet his performance throughout the 2024 Six Nations has fallen short of expectations.
It’s probably now for Borthwick to move on and look at longer-term solutions when it comes to scrum-halves.
