Leicester Tigers star retires due to concussion, aged 29

Tuesday, 05 May 2020 at 11:23

bySteven Smith

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.

The Tigers Maul

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BREAKING: Jimmy Stevens retires from rugby after his second spell at Tigers 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

9:22 AM · May 5, 2020

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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.

2. Dane Haylett-Petty

The 33-cap Wallaby is an international superstar who is available for Tigers to go sign on a short-term deal as soon as this is over.

This is due to Haylett-Petty, who was forced to take a huge paycut, being given the green light to take a leave of absence from Super Rugby and secure short term contracts in places such as England and the Japanese Top League before returning in time for the July 2021 Test schedule.

Would be an incredible signing.

3. Joe Tomane

If Tigers are looking for an experienced head to help bring on some of their young wide-men then Tomane is an obvious choice.

The Wallaby, who is out of contract with Leinster in the summer, has been consistently brilliant for the Irish province and there will be no shortage of interest in securing the 30-year-old's services.

Tigers should be at the front of that queue.

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4. Alex Lewington

With Saracens urgently trying to reduce their wage bill, Tigers should attempt to bring the speedster back to Welford Road.

He departed Tigers in 2013 as a lightweight winger who had failed to make his mark after progressing through the clubs academy.

Since then, he's bulked up a bit but kept his speed, developing into one of the Premiership's most deadly finishers for Saracens, who he joined following successful stints with Nottingham and London Irish.

Bringing him back to Welford Road would be a great piece of business.