England, British and Irish Lions and Leicester Tigers back Anthony Watson has been forced to retire from rugby on medical grounds.
The 30-year-old, who last appeared in the Gallagher Premiership in December, had been restricted to just seven appearances for Leicester Tigers over the last two seasons by a series of injuries.
A calf injury saw Watson miss out on representing England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, before Achilles problems and back surgery hampered the remainder of his season with Leicester, ultimately forcing him to call time on his distinguished career.
Watson bows out of rugby having won 56 caps for England, with whom he won three Six Nations titles and reached the Rugby World Cup final in 2019.
The former London Irish and Bath Rugby back also represented the British and Irish Lions on their tours of New Zealand and South Africa in 2017 and 2021.
Watson started five British and Irish Lions Tests on their tours of New Zealand and South Africa in 2017 and 2021
“My overarching feeling is of pride,” Watson said. “I’m proud and blessed to have done what I did through my career; to have represented my family, my country and two of the biggest clubs in the country.
“When I started out, I wanted to make my dad more than anyone proud, I wanted to play for England and the Lions with my parents in the crowd and, eventually, wanted to share a moment with my children on the field. I can say I’ve done all those things.”
England head coach Steve Borthwick led the tributes to Watson, adding: “Anthony Watson is to be congratulated on a fantastically successful career.
Watson won 56 caps and three Six Nations titles with England
“I was fortunate to have coached Anthony both at Leicester Tigers and England. He is a humble, hard-working professional man who is universally liked and admired in the game.
“Anthony not only brought his incredible talent to the England shirt every time he played, but he was also a player who was immensely proud to represent his country.
“We all wish him the best in the next chapter and thank him for everything he did for the England team.”