Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

'I'm incredibly sad': Theo Brophy-Clews has retired from playing with immediate effect at the age of only 24

(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

London Irish midfielder Theo Brophy-Clews has announced his immediate retirement from professional rugby on medical grounds at just the age of 24. The young back had put together a run of eleven appearances between December and April but he lasted just a couple of minutes of his club’s Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat last month at Bath due to concussion.

ADVERTISEMENT

Having made his debut in 2015/16, he made a total of 63 appearances and scored in excess of 110 points before now putting his health first and calling it quits in an open letter published on the London Irish website.  

Brophy-Clews wrote on the Irish website: “It is with a heavy heart that I write to announce my retirement from professional rugby due to concussion. After receiving advice from the medical staff at London Irish and the Complex Concussion Clinic, it’s clear to me that I cannot continue to play as I would be putting both my short-term and my long-term health at risk.

Video Spacer

RugbyPass is sharing unique stories from iconic British and Irish Lions tours to South Africa in proud partnership with The Famous Grouse, the Spirit of Rugby

Video Spacer

RugbyPass is sharing unique stories from iconic British and Irish Lions tours to South Africa in proud partnership with The Famous Grouse, the Spirit of Rugby

“Rugby is an incredibly special sport and it has been a dream come true to play it professionally. The memories I have made, the people I have met and the challenges I have had to go through have made my career incredibly fulfilling and special. Rugby has taught me so much and, most importantly, how to be a decent person and to enjoy the ride, no matter how tough it gets.

“There is obviously a lot of emotion involved in a decision like this. First and foremost, I recognise that my health is the most important thing to consider. I have to accept that I can no longer put my body and my head through the physical challenges required to be a top-level player.

“Secondly, I’m hugely grateful for the time I have had in the game, the people I have shared the pitch with and being involved in the special community we have in English rugby. Lastly, I’m incredibly sad. While I appreciate that there is so much more to live for and more important issues in the world, I’m really going to miss it. The emotions you go through, the bonds and special memories you make with the people around you, let alone playing the game you love for a living, will all be incredibly tough to leave behind.

“There are too many people to thank here but know if you have ever messaged me, watched a game or played with me, I’m thankful for you and your support. It hit me the other day that there are not many other jobs that you get to earn a living while having your family name on your back. 

ADVERTISEMENT

“I have loved representing my whole family every time I ran out onto the pitch. My mum, dad, big sister and my girlfriend Melanie have made me who I am and have supported me unwaveringly throughout my life and career. I love them more than anything.

“To my teammates, coaches and support staff at school, club, county and England age-grade, thank you. Growing up playing rugby was incredibly fun and rewarding and there are so many people who shaped my career at a young age. There are so many people who have improved my life for the better at Newbury RFC, Berkshire, Abingdon School and the national age-grade programme. I will always look back at that time during my development as a rugby player with huge happiness and gratitude.

“To everyone at London Irish, I have wanted to represent this club since I was a kid and playing over 50 first-team games has been one of my proudest achievements,” continued Brophy-Clews. I have been part of some massive ups and downs for the club and many brilliant environments, so thanks to all the boys, staff, coaches, and supporters for making my time here so special. 

“A special thank you to the two people at the club who had the bravery to tell me what is important in life. It can’t have been easy, but I really appreciate it. Finally, to the London Irish supporters and rugby enthusiasts in general – thank you for supporting us, especially when it hasn’t been easy. You are the reason we get to play rugby for a living and thank you for allowing us to live our dreams.

ADVERTISEMENT

“If you have got this far, I appreciate it. I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life knowing I’ve been lucky enough to live my dream.”

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

H
Hellhound 14 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

0 Go to comments
R
RedWarrior 55 minutes ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

49 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones
Search