Sale Sharks back-row James Phillips has retired from professional rugby union through injury with immediate effect, following medical advice.
The 34-year-old suffered a double fracture of his jaw in September’s pre-season game against Benetton Treviso and underwent surgery.
James said: “I’m absolutely gutted to be honest that my career has been cut short, but I’ve known for a little while that this was likely to be the end.
“I can’t remember too much about the incident in the Treviso game but I’ve watched it back since. I got my head in the wrong place in a tackle and took a knee to the jaw.
“After the operation, I thought I’d be back playing within four or five weeks but then I started getting headaches and feeling dizzy and groggy all the time. I had some scans and tests and it was clear that it was more serious than we thought at first.
“It’s hard to take but I’ve loved every minute of my time at Sale Sharks. The coaches, the players and the staff at the club have made me feel so welcome and the supporters have always been brilliant with me.
“The last few months have been really difficult for me but I’ve had fantastic support from the club, but more importantly from my wife and my two girls. I don’t know how I’d have got through it without them so I want to say a big thank you.”
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