Aviva Premiership
Injury forces Exeter's Hanks to retire
ESPN Staff
April 22, 2014
James Hanks has been with the Chiefs for 10 years © Getty Images
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Exeter Chiefs lock James Hank has been forced to retire with immediate effect after failing to recover from a neck injury, the club have confirmed.

Hanks, 29, sustained the injury during Exeter's LV= Cup semi-final clash with Bath last month and has been advised by doctors to call time on his decade-long career with the Chiefs.

"I've had 10 amazing years of very special memories with the club," said Hanks. "I've had a lot of happy times, a lot of fun and I've played a small part in getting the club to where it is today.

"Personally, I don't think I could have asked for any more from my time with the Chiefs, but sadly this injury has brought my career to an end a little bit earlier than I probably envisaged.

"While the injury was fairly serious, I'm relieved that I'm now on the mend and I'm looking forward to what I do next away from rugby."

The loss of Hanks is the latest injury blow to the Chiefs, who this season have seen fellow forwards Tom Hayes and Chris Whitehead also retire from the game due to injuries.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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