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Worcester Warriors winger Sam Smith has retired from rugby, at the age of 26
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A recurring quadriceps muscle injury has forced the former Harlequins player to quit.
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Smith joined Warriors from Quins in the summer of 2014, going on to play a key part in Dean Ryan’s Championship promotion-winning team
Worcester wing Sam Smith has been forced to retire due to being unable to recover fully from recurrent tears to his quadriceps muscle.
The 26-year-old hasn’t featured for Warriors since the Championship play-offs in May 2015, spending almost the whole of last season on the sidelines.
Former Harlequins finisher Smith racked up 15 tries in 19 appearances during Warriors’ 2014/15 promotion-winning campaign.
“Our staff have worked hard to try and get Sam back to full fitness but unfortunately it hasn’t worked out for him and he’s decided to focus on a different pathway in life. Sometimes that’s the way it works out,” said high performance director Nick Johnston.
“But in another aspect it shows how our education programme can prepare players for life after rugby.
“Sam’s journey is another case of our succession planning working to good effect and despite his misfortune with injury, he can look forward to a successful career in business and start a fresh challenge, with the full support of the club.”
Smith said: “I am obviously devastated to be moving on from rugby, a game that has given me so many amazing memories, opportunities and lifelong friends.
“I’ve tried everything I can to get back to full fitness but it’s become clear that now is the time for me to focus on my new path in life and I look forward to being able to share specialty coffee with as many people in Worcester as possible.
“I love Worcester and despite only living here for two years it’s where I now call home and I’m excited to be setting up my dream in the heart of the city.
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“I’d like to thank the Warriors staff, fans, my teammates, family and girlfriend for their support through what has been a pretty difficult period.
“Of course, I will still be getting up to Sixways to watch the boys push on over the coming seasons and I have no doubt that the club will go on to achieve great success.”
