Today, we're bringing you a list of five rugby players who retired too soon. It sounds simple enough, but as you'll see, retirement doesn't always mean what it sounds like. Confused? Then let's get to the list.
#1. Barry John - 27
The legendary Lions and Wales star is arguably the finest outside-half of all time. During his short playing career he was revered in Wales as "The King" and feared by opposition defences as a majestic yet unpredictable pivot behind the scrum. However, aged only 27, he retired because he professionalised himself by writing his autobiography and becoming a newspaper columnist.
#2. Denny Solomona - 22
Here's a funny one. Solomona, who had two years left on his Castleford contract, left the Tigers at the end of 2016 when he was still only 22 saying he intended to retire from rugby league. However, the speedster subsequently signed a three-year deal with Sale. The Sharks were eventually forced to pay the Super League club "in excess of £200,000" in compensation, plus around £100,000 costs, for the winger in an out-of-court settlement.
#3. Johan Goosen - 24
In 2016, while playing for French club Racing 92, the South African made the shock announcement that he would retire from rugby to focus on his farming interests in South Africa. He came out of retirement in 2018 when played three games for the Cheetahs, before signing a deal with French outfit Montpellier. The move to Montpellier caused an uproar in France because he was still contracted to Racing 92 despite the break in play.
#4. Christian Wade - 27
The winger had spent his senior career with Wasps but wasn't considered by England since Eddie Jones took over as head coach at the end of 2015. Having stepped away from rugby aged 27, he has since attempted to break into American football through its international player pathway programme.
#5. Alex Corbisiero -27
Born in New York City, Corbisiero represented England at age grade and Saxons levels before being handed his Test debut against Italy in the 2011 Six Nations. Initially taking a 12-month break aged 27, his sabbatical since became indefinite. He's now is in charge of turning the LA Giltinis’ scrum into a weapon and developing the club’s props and hookers.
