George Skivington forced to retire with shoulder injury

London Irish prop George Skivington has announced his decision to retire from professional rugby following a shoulder injury.

Skivington started his career in 2003 with Wasps and was associated with the club for seven years, making 124 appearances and then switched to Leicester Tigers for a two-year stint. It was in 2012, the 33-year-old, joined London Irish and went on to represent the club in 53 Aviva Premiership games.

During his stint with Wasps, he enjoyed vast success after being part of four Premiership Rugby winning squads and also clinched two Heineken Cup titles.

Skivington has also captained England Saxons in 2010 against Ireland A and was the skipper of London Irish for three seasons but managed to make just four appearances for the club in the previous season because of a shoulder surgery.

In a statement released by London Irish, Skivington thanked all the Premiership clubs he represented and expressed confidence on the Exiles returning back to the Aviva Premiership at the earliest.

"I would like to say thank you to all those who have supported me throughout my playing career.

"Wasps, Leicester and London Irish have all been great environments in which to play my rugby, and each club has been a unique experience.

"I have been proud to captain London Irish during the last three seasons, and I know the club is in good shape to return to the Premiership at the first time of asking."