Aviva Premiership
Brett Deacon forced to retire
ESPN Staff
December 18, 2013
Brett Deacon is tackled during his brief spell with Gloucester © Getty Images
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Leicester Tigers flanker Brett Deacon has retired from the game after receiving medical advice following him contracting a blood condition.

Deacon, 31, made his Tigers debut in 2003 and appeared for the club 135 times either side of a two-year spell with Gloucester. He plans to remain at the club in a coaching role.

"I have had a very enjoyable career and it is disappointing when the decision to stop playing is taken out of your hands, but I have to go with the medical advice," he said. "Every young player growing up in the area wants to play for Leicester Tigers, and I was fortunate enough to be able to do that, and to play for the club alongside my brother.

"I was a supporter on the terraces and ended up playing through the academy and into the first team, which was all I ever wanted to do."

Director of rugby Richard Cockerill said that Deacon "always gave everything for the team and is a Leicester Tiger to the core".

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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