Ex-England international Thomas Waldrom announces retirement

Former England international Thomas Waldrom has confirmed retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.

The 35-year-old played for England in five Tests between 2012 and 2013 but has not managed to find a breakthrough with the national squad since then.

New Zealand born back-row Waldrom made his professional rugby debut with Wellington province and enjoyed Super Rugby stints with Hurricanes and Crusaders between 2004 and 2010 following which he made his Premiership Rugby debut with Leicester Tigers.

Nicknamed "Thomas the tank engine" he became eligible to play for England in 2011 and announced his switch to Exeter Chiefs in 2014. He became Premiership's leading try scorer in 2015 and 2016 seasons and also helped the Sandy Park outfit to their maiden Premiership title that came in 2017.

Waldrom did manage to return back to his province Wellington in 2018 representing them in the Mitre 10 Cup before the announcement on his retirement came.

"I have made a decision, a hard one at that, but it's time to hang the boots up," he tweeted.

"A massive thanks to @WgtnRugby for letting me come back and finish where it all started."

I have made a decision a hard one at that, but it’s time to hang the boots up. A massive thank to @WgtnRugby for letting me come back and finish where it all started. Exciting times ahead to start something new. Big thanks to all the players and coaches you have all be awesome?? pic.twitter.com/bIrt4RhasZ

— Thomas waldrom (@Toottankwaldrom) 21 October 2018