Aviva Premiership
Cairns announces immediate retirement
ESPNscrum Staff
February 14, 2012
Matt Cairns on the charge for Quins © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Matt Cairns
Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership
Teams: England | Harlequins

Harlequins have announced that hooker Matt Cairns has been forced to retire from rugby with immediate effect.

The 34-year-old - who has one England cap to his name - has been suffering from an ankle injury and despite surgery, Cairns has been advised that he will have to retire from the sport.

Cairns, who joined Harlequins in 2009 from Saracens, admitted that the decision was difficult to make. "Rugby has been such a massive part of my life so the fact that my career has ended sooner than expected has been difficult to accept," Cairns said. "While I will miss the camaraderie of the great players that I've played with, I have lots of happy memories.

"I would like to thank everyone that has helped me throughout my career especially Conor O'Shea and all the players and staff at Harlequins. The fact that my playing career is over is still sinking in and I'm still deciding what's best for my family and myself."

Harlequins director of rugby Conor O'Shea paid tribute to the hooker saying: "Matt has been a great servant not just to the club but also to the game of rugby. He has achieved so much during his playing career and will be missed both on and off the pitch. Retirement on medical grounds is difficult to come to terms with especially when it is unexpected.

"All of our players, staff and supporters wish Matt well. We will support him during this transition from playing to whatever his new career will be. We wish him and his family well in the future."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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