Harlequins hooker Max Crumpton announces retirement at 26

Harlequins have confirmed that hooker Max Crumpton has announced his decision to retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.

The 26-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in January during the Champions Cup against Bath Rugby but has failed to make a recovery since then.

A product of Saracens Academy, Crumpton played for them between 2012 and 2014 during which he also had loan stints with Plymouth Albion and Harlequins. He made a switch to Bristol Rugby in 2014 before heading to Twickenham Stop in 2018 making 20 appearances in the last two seasons.

He was also part of England Under 16, England Under 18 and England Under 20 sides and participated in the 2012 IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa.

“I think every player dreams of having that fairy-tale finish to their playing career. While I haven’t had the opportunity to sign off from my time as a professional rugby player in front of a crowded Stoop, I’m immensely proud of what I achieved in nearly a decade as a professional athlete," he told the official website of the club.

“I’d like to thank everyone at Harlequins, from players, support staff and fans for their support and dedication during my time at the Club. I’d also like to thank everyone from each of my former clubs for their influence on my rugby journey. But most of all, I thank my family, who have supported me all the way.

“My career has finished sooner than I would have wanted, but I have plenty of fond memories to look back on, and I’m thankful for the continued support from Quins as I begin my life after rugby. It will be great to come back to The Stoop as a fan when rugby returns.”