Chiefs prop Rimmer retires following stroke

Exeter Chiefs prop Carl Rimmer has retired after suffering a stroke during a training session in January.

The 32-year-old, who had played for Exeter since 2012, winning the Premiership in 2016-17, collapsed two days after sustaining “a nick” in an artery during a match against Newcastle Falcons.

The forward had hoped to return to competitive action, but has received medical advice to call time on his playing career.

“I spent the best part of a week in hospital,” he said in an interview on the Chiefs’ website.

“During the first week, there wasn’t even a thought of what was going on in the future, it was more dealing with the symptoms at hand, and I was so fortunate to be where I was, surrounded by medical teams and doctors, and by the time a week has passed, I was up on my feet and walking round, and everybody was very, very happy.

? – Sad day for everyone at @ExeterChiefs as @carlrimmercjr is forced to retire from the game on medical grounds. Thanks for the memories Carl. ??https://t.co/TeurM24eus pic.twitter.com/uKdAKQsLT0

— Exeter Chiefs (@ExeterChiefs) July 8, 2018

“The club were brilliant with me and let me have some good time off to make sure everything healed as it should. Apart from the rugby side of things, I have been pretty much fine since February, so that has been brilliant.

“I was under the impression from medical guidance that there was a chance that I could return to playing, but at the same time the percentage was only 50-50, but unfortunately, three months later, when they rescanned everything, the injury itself had not healed properly, which just meant the risks of returning to play a contact sport were too great, and I was advised medically to retire, which wasn’t great news to hear at the time.

According to the club, Rimmer intends to begin working in the construction industry.

“Plans are starting to be made,” he said. “I am now in the position where I am looking forward to my next challenge, and not lamenting what was.”

Tributes have also poured in from fellow teammates on social media, many with a humorous touch.

Very sad day but been a pleasure to be able to say I’ve played with this man. Thank you @carlrimmercjr ?? you still have a massive nose? https://t.co/myNhuIPYFe

— Jack Nowell (@nowellsy15) July 8, 2018

Quality player on the pitch, top bloke off it, missed hugely from the changing rooms, congrats on a great career Rims https://t.co/RiIpTEaz95

— Sam Hill (@SamHill_93) July 8, 2018

Although great to see the bbc have already given @carlrimmercjr a role at Wimbledon ??? #sourdough pic.twitter.com/X49Tr00fUd

— Jack Yeandle (@Yenz_2) July 8, 2018