Harlequins hooker Max Crumpton has been forced to retire at the age of 26 because of a hamstring injury.
Crumpton is the second Quins player to announce their retirement this week after fellow hooker Rob Buchanan, 29, did so on Tuesday.
Commenting on his retirement, Crumpton said: “I think every player dreams of having that fairy-tale finish to their playing career. While I haven’t had the opportunity to sign off from my time as a professional rugby player in front of a crowded Stoop, I’m immensely proud of what I achieved in nearly a decade as a professional athlete.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Harlequins, from players, support staff and fans for their support and dedication during my time at the Club. I’d also like to thank everyone from each of my former clubs for their influence on my rugby journey. But most of all, I thank my family, who have supported me all the way.
“My career has finished sooner than I would have wanted, but I have plenty of fond memories to look back on, and I’m thankful for the continued support from Quins as I begin my life after rugby. It will be great to come back to The Stoop as a fan when rugby returns.”
JOIN THE RUCK:
LIST | 5 hilarious Jason Leonard stories
England legend Jason Leonard has told many great stories down the years.
Here are some of our favourites.
1. 'I didn't do it'
Just before we headed out to the 1995 World Cup in South Africa, all the players agreed on a booze ban when coach Jack Rowell discovered that someone had come in at 2am. He accused me at training the next day and I flatly denied it. As I told Martin Bayfield standing next to me: "It couldn't have been me Bayf - I didn't get in until 4am." Poor Bayf just burst out laughing.
2. Origins of Fun Bus
Coming back from injury, Leonard was called up for an England tour to South Africa 1993 despite putting on a bit of weight. We had these big cotton shirts, which were bright red and looked skin tight on me. Martin Bayfield, because of my London accent and the red shirt, thought I looked like a big red bus, hense 'fun bus'.
3. Argentina tour
Extract from Jason Leonard's autobiogaphy.
4. His funniest stories
In this video, he picks a couple involving Australasia's Prime Minister and the late, great Nelson Mandela.
5. 28 pints
Prop Jason Leonard noted that he had 28 pints of lager and when the astounded, part-time nutritionist asked just exactly he was up to each week to consume 28 pints, he was met with a confused look. "That's 28 pints on the Saturday and eight to settle the head on Sunday," Leonard replied.
Jason Leonard’s Drinking XV | Legend picks his top boozers
England legend Jason Leonard has picked his drinking XV of players from down the years that he'd want with him for long sessions and it's brilliant.
Although he did make sure to pick a designated driver, which we say is VERY sensible.
Gavin Hastings (Full-back, Scotland)
Rory Underwood (Wing and designated driver, England)
Jerry Guscott (Centre, England)
Jerry Guscott (Centre, England)
Scott Gibbs (Centre, Wales)
Scott Hastings (Wing, Scotland)
Stuart Barnes (Outside-half, England)
Robert Jones (Scrum-half, Wales. Replaced at half-time by Dewi Morris, England)
Scott Hastings (Wing, Scotland)
Stuart Barnes (Outside-half, England)
Robert Jones (Scrum-half, Wales. Replaced at half-time by Dewi Morris, England)
Paul Rendall (Prop, England)
Brian Moore (Hooker, England)
Brian Moore (Hooker, England)
Jeff Probyn (Prop, England)
Wade Dooley (Lock, England)
Norm Hadley (Lock, Canada)
Peter Winterbottom (Flanker, England)
Dean Richards (No8, England)
Wade Dooley (Lock, England)
Norm Hadley (Lock, Canada)
Peter Winterbottom (Flanker, England)
Dean Richards (No8, England)
Mickey Skinner (Flanker, England)
