Harlequins hooker Rob Buchanan announces retirement

Harlequins hooker Rob Buchanan has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.

A graduate of Harlequins Academy, Buchanan made his senior debut in 2012 and has made over 120 appearances for the club including 81 Premiership games. He was also part of the squad that went on to clinch the Premiership title in the 2011/12 season and a the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2012/13 season.

However, he had a tough last 18 months with injuries with the latest being a shoulder problem forcing him to quit the game at 29. He will now be taking an Operating Manager role with T&G Wholesale Meats.

“I’d like to thank my family, friends, team mates, all the staff, and of course the fans who have been by my side throughout my time at the Club , I wouldn’t have had such a special and amazing journey without all of you," he told the official website of the club.

“I’m excited to get stuck into my next chapter with T&G. My time as a player at the Club may have come to an end, but I will still be at games to cheer on the lads.”

Buchanan also had represented England Under 20 side in the past and helped them reach the final of the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship against the junior All Blacks. He was invited to the training squad by England coach Eddie Jones before injury ruled him out of the summer tour of Argentina in 2017.

“Seeing Rob leave us sparks mixed emotions. I am sad because he was a great player who was unlucky not to get a full senior cap for England, and I felt he was an important member of our squad who could help us realise our goals," said Harlequins Head of Rugby Paul Gustard.

"But in the same breath I am delighted that he has a new career that he is energised by and is excited to start.

“He will be missed by the team because of his quality as a player, but more importantly he will be missed by the group because of his presence and the most incredible booming and infectious laugh you will ever hear".