Saracens flanker Joel Conlon forced to retire

Saracens have confirmed that flanker Joel Conlon has retired from professional rugby with immediate effect.

A product of Exeter Academy, Conlon signed his first professional contract with the Chiefs in 2012 and was selected for the England Under 20 side a year later. He also scored the winning try in England's 2014 IRB Junior World Championship triumph that followed a 21-20 win over South Africa in the final.

His switch to Saracens came during the 2016/17 season and was part of the back-to-back European titles and two Premiership wins for the Allianz Park outfit. He also led Saracens to Premiership Rugby Sevens Series triumph.

The 24-year-old was advised two-year break from the game following a neck injury and has eventually decided to retire.

“I’m pretty gutted I’m having step away now. I was hoping to kick-on and be involved a bit more this year after some frustrating seasons with injury.

“The club have been amazing with me, supported me the whole way through and I can’t thank them enough.”

Meanwhile, Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall wished Conlon good luck for his future endeavours.

“Joel Conlon always represented Saracens in a way that exemplified the values we hold dear; a hard-working, physical player on the field and a person of character away from it.

“Joel is retiring from the game due to injury; we know he will be very successful in the next chapter of his life and we wish him every success.”