Leicester Tigers hooker Jimmy Stevens has announced his retirement from professional rugby.
The 29-year-old, who has been unsuccessful in his attempt to return to the top-flight since suffering concussion in the 2018/19 season, has made the decision to call time on his career on the advice of medical experts.
BREAKING: Jimmy Stevens retires from rugby after his second spell at Tigers
— The Tigers Maul (@thetigersmaul) May 5, 2020
The Hooker made the decision on medical advice after a string of concussions
Thanks for everything and all the best in the future Jimmy 👏#tigersfamily
A Tigers Academy graduate, Stevens made his senior debut for the club in 2012 and earned England age-group recognition during his first spell in Leicester before playing for London Irish and Nottingham.
In the summer of 2018, Stevens returned to Welford Road and has made 11 appearances for Tigers since debuting as a 20-year-old.
Stevens admitted he was “gutted” to be retiring but accepted the decision.
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“I’m gutted to be retiring, but I have to take the recommended advice from the health professionals,” he said. “I’ll miss enjoying a good win with my mates and socialising with them after.”
“All I knew from a fairly young age is that I wanted to play rugby, whether that was playing for St. Ives with my brothers or being lucky enough to play the game professionally.”
Full List of Leicester Tigers Departees
(Bold denotes Development Squad player)
- Keston Lines
- Tatafu Polota-Nau
- Gaston Cortes
- Owen Hills
- Will Spencer
- Joe Batley (Loan expired)
- Cameron Jordan
- Ifereimi Boladau (Loan Expired)
- Guy Thompson
- Sam Eveleigh
- Sione Kalamafoni
- Sam Costelow (confirmed to Scarlets)
- Joe Thomas
- EW Viljoen
- Andy Forsyth (Loan expired)
- Jonah Holmes
- Jonny May (confirmed to Gloucester)
- Adam Thompstone
- Rory Hughes (Loan expired)
- Leo Gilliland
- Kyran Bungaroo
- Jimm Stevens (retiring)
Leicester Tigers | Four perfect replacements for Jonny May
Leicester Tigers have already lost Jonny May to Gloucester and Jonah Holmes to Dragons, which severely depletes their wide-men ranks.
They have already signed Fijian powerhouse Nemani Nadolo for next season, but need reinforcements with Rory Hughes also set to depart when his loan from Glasgow expires.
Here’s a list of four wingers who would be seen as great signings for Tigers:
1. Marland Yarde
Tigers were linked with the England international speedster before the quarantine began.
There was then a report from The Rugby Paper that he’d signed a new deal with Sale, but that hasn’t been confirmed.
If Tigers can get him in, the 27-year-old would guarantee tries as long as he remains fit.
Absolutely a player to consider.
