Aviva Premiership
Woods forced to retire from rugby
ESPN Staff
September 5, 2012
Leicester flanker Ben Woods takes on Brad Barritt, Saracens v Leicester, Guinness Premiership, Vicarage Road, January 2, 2010
Ben Woods has been forced to retire from rugby © Getty Images
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Leicester Tigers back-row Ben Woods has announced his retirement from professional rugby.

The England Saxons flanker joined the Tigers from the Newcastle Falcons in the summer of 2008 but has been struggling from a wrist injury and has been forced to call time on his career. Woods helped the Tigers to Premiership glory in 2009 and 2010 and has also served as the club's representative at the Rugby Players' Association.

Woods admitted it was a "very difficult decision to stop playing". "I have enjoyed playing the game professionally and Leicester Tigers is a great club," Woods said. "The coaching staff here showed a lot of faith in me and gave the opportunity to win trophies, which is what every player wants to do.

"I would like to thank everyone at Tigers for their support in my time at the club and I wish them well in the new season."

Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill added: "Ben has been a very valuable member of the squad at Tigers for the last four seasons. He enjoyed some of his best form in a Tigers shirt and started Premiership and European Finals in his time here.

"It is unfortunate for any player when injury dictates the time of their retirement. We wish Ben well for the future and thank him for his service to the club."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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