England international and Leicester Tigers wing Anthony Watson has been forced to retire from professional rugby union on medical grounds, it has been announced.

The 30-year-old, who toured with the British & Irish Lions on two occasions, was capped 56 times by his country and at his peak was one of the best outside backs in the sport.

He started his professional career at London Irish where he played 22 matches before being snapped up by Bath where his game kicked on and England soon came calling.

Three Six Nations titles

Watson‘s international career was littered with success as he featured prominently in three Six Nations-winning squads and also the 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign.

The back would leave Bath, for whom he made 126 appearances, for Leicester in 2022, but injury hindered his spell at the club as he turned out just 23 times for the Tigers.

Reflecting on his playing career the back three star looked back with pride and in a video with Leicester Tigers he also revealed how injury had affected his life at home.

“My overarching feeling is of pride. 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,” he said.

“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.”

Leicester Tigers general manager Richard Wilks added: “On behalf of the club, I want to thank Anthony for his contribution to Leicester Tigers. While his time at the club hasn’t gone exactly how he or the club would have wanted, his presence and experience has been of great value to the club.

“His dedication to getting back out on the field this year was truly special and a great testament to him as an athlete, professional and person.

“Anthony is one of the most talented players this country has produced and we are proud that he represented Leicester Tigers during his decorated career.

“We are excited to see him continue to make an impact beyond his playing career. He will always be welcome at Leicester Tigers and we wish him and his family the very best in their next chapter.”

Steve Borthwick praise

Meanwhile, England head coach Steve Borthwick was full of praise for Watson the player and person and said the wing should be “immensely proud” of his rugby career.

“Anthony Watson is to be congratulated on a fantastically successful career,” he said.

“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.”