Scarlets winger Grabham forced to retire early

Scarlets winger Tom Grabham has been forced to retire from professional rugby because of a knee injury.

The 26-year-old winger joined the Scarlets in the summer of 2017 from fellow Welsh region the Ospreys.

He only made one competitive appearance for Wayne Pivac’s side, against Zebre Rugby at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in September 2017.

The back came through the ranks at Bridgend RFC and also played 50 times for the Ospreys, scoring eight tries.

Grabham underwent surgery to repair a knee injury but hasn’t been able to recover to a level that can sustain the rigours of professional rugby.

“It is with disappointment that I today have to confirm that I will be retiring from professional rugby”, Grabham said.

“I would like to thank the medical team and the coaching staff at the Scarlets for their support over the last eight months or so. It has been a particularly tough coming to terms with the reality that I won’t be able to continue with my career as a pro rugby player.”

“It’s particularly disappointing that I’ve not been able to make more of an impact at the Scarlets but I will cherish my time here.”

NEWS | Today we have to confirm that @tom_grabz_9 has been forced to retire due to injury. All the very best to you for the future.

NEWYDDION | Mae Tom Grabham wedi ei orfodi i ymddeol oherwydd anaf. Pob llwyddiant i ti i'r dyfodol. pic.twitter.com/tC6Xf0q7Ya

— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) April 13, 2018

Jon Daniels, Scarlets General Manager of Rugby, said; “Tom has had a very difficult season since joining us here at Parc y Scarlets having to watch from the sidelines and come to terms with the prospect of hanging up his boots permanently. We wish him well for the future and his onward journey.”

He’s the second Scarlets player this season to retire early because of a knee injury, in February 23-year-old Jack Condy had to hang up his boots.

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