Deacon Forced to Hang up his Boots

Leicester Tigers flanker Brett Deacon has been forced to retire from professional rugby due to medical conditions and will now join the club’s coaching set-up.

The 31-year-old forward, who was advised to retire from rugby last season, has hung up his boots after contracting a blood condition that has not allowed him to play for the Tigers since their Aviva Premiership victory over Wasps in April.

Deacon made his Tigers debut back in 2003 and has won 135 caps over two spells at the club. He will now began work as an assistant coach with the academy.

He told the club website: "I've had a very enjoyable career and it is disappointing when the decision to stop playing is taken out of your hands but I have to go with the medical advice.

"Every young player growing up in the area wants to play for Leicester Tigers and I was fortunate enough to be able to do that, and to play for the club alongside my brother.

"I was a supporter on the terraces and ended up playing through the Academy and into the first team which was all I ever wanted to do."

Deacon enjoyed making his debut in 2003 alongside his brother and England international Louis and went on to play a part in three Premiership title triumphs with the Midlands side.

Leicester rugby director Richard Cockerill said: "Brett was a home-grown player who became an important part of the first-team squad here. He always gave everything for the team and is a Leicester Tiger to the core.

"It is important to have that 'Leicester' presence throughout the club and continuity. We wish him well in his new role working with the Academy."