Freddie Burns retires from rugby

Former England fly-half Freddie Burns has announced his retirement from professional rugby union, ending a career that stretched across nearly two decades.

The 36-year-old represented clubs in England, Japan, New Zealand and Romania, while also earning five international caps for England.

Freddie Burns Announces Rugby Retirement

Burns confirmed his retirement in an emotional Instagram message, thanking the clubs, teammates and supporters who helped him fulfil his childhood ambition of becoming a professional rugby player.

The Bath-born fly-half said he had once dreamed of playing just a single minute of professional rugby and felt fortunate to have enjoyed such a long career. He also described representing England as the greatest honour of his playing journey.

"As a child, I dreamed of playing just one minute of professional rugby," wrote Burns.

"To have lived this career for almost two decades is more than I ever imagined. I feel incredibly fortunate.

"To Cinderford, Gloucester, Leicester, Bath, the Highlanders, Shokki and Dinamo, thank you for allowing me to live out my dream. It was a privilege to represent every one of you.

"To have represented my country will always have been the greatest honour of my career. Nothing will ever compare to pulling on that jersey".

Leicester Premiership Final Hero

Burns will be best remembered for his decisive contribution to Leicester Tigers’ 2022 Premiership title victory. His last-minute drop-goal secured a dramatic win in the final and delivered one of the most memorable moments of his career.

He had two spells with Leicester and also played for Gloucester, Bath, Cinderford, the Highlanders, Toyota Industries Shuttles and Dinamo Bucuresti.

Burns joined the Romanian club in 2025 for the final chapter of his professional career.

Freddie Burns Reflects on England Career

Burns made his England debut in December 2012, coming off the bench during the famous 38-21 victory over New Zealand. He went on to collect five international caps between 2012 and 2014.

In his retirement message, Burns also addressed critics who had previously claimed he was too small to succeed at professional level. He said rugby had taught him resilience and that the setbacks he experienced made his achievements even more meaningful.

Burns ended his message by thanking supporters for wearing their club colours with pride and backing him throughout his career.

"Rugby taught me many things, but above all it taught me resilience. The setbacks made the successes sweeter, and the challenges shaped the person I am today.

"Thank you, rugby."