Worcester Warriors winger Andy Short forced to retire aged 26
Rugby News

Worcester Warriors winger forced to retire aged 26

26 April 2017
Rugby Rucker
  • Andy Short has retired from rugby at the age of 26
  • He made the decision after failing to overcome a recurring hip problem
  • Short rose through the Warriors’ ranks, making his debut in 2010
Warriors Academy graduate Andy Short has been forced to hang up his boots at the age of 26 due to a recurring hip injury.

Short, who rose through the Warriors ranks, made his debut back in 2010 before moving to Bristol Rugby in 2013 where he spent two seasons.

He returned to Warriors for a second spell in 2015 but has been limited to just eight appearances in the last two campaigns due to a succession of injuries.

Despite having to quit rugby, Short has prepared for life after the game, having graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Leadership and Management at the University of Northumbria and is now studying for a Masters in Building Surveying.

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Warriors equip all players with off-field support to prepare them for life after rugby in case of these unfortunate instances.

Warriors Education Officer Lynette Cutting said: “It’s never a nice thing when a player has to give up playing but this is one of the reasons why it’s important to support them off the field during their rugby careers.

“Having that educational support is vital in making sure the players have something to fall back on when their careers come to an end for whatever reason.

“Sam Smith is another example of a player who sadly had to cut his career short due to injury, but he was able to study alongside his rugby and has now gone on to set up his own coffee shop business in Worcester and he’s doing great.

“We’ve got a number of players studying courses and I’m delighted Andy has been able to get his degree and hopefully now he will go on to enjoy a new and successful career.”

Short, who scored ten tries in his 38 appearances for Warriors, said: “I want to thank the Club, the players, coaches, fans and most importantly, the people at the Club who have put me back together over the years – the physios.

“As I hang up my boots, I will be leaving the game behind with a heavy heart but looking forward to whatever life brings me next.

“My time in the game has been a rollercoaster, with ultimate highs and painful lows, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

“Thank you to everyone I have met along the way, playing the sport I love. I will look forward to following the success of my hometown Club with immense pride in the forthcoming seasons.”

Warriors Director of Rugby Gary Gold said: “We would like to thank Andy for his continued efforts over the years and wish him all the best in his next chapter.”