James Chisholm retires from professional rugby

Harlequins back-row forward James Chisholm has retired from professional rugby at the age of 31 after being unable to fully recover from a ruptured Achilles suffered in January 2025.

James Chisholm announces Harlequins retirement

Chisholm spent his entire professional career with Harlequins, making 164 appearances and scoring 21 tries for the club.

The back-row forward was part of the Quins squad that won the PREM title in the 2020/21 season and went on to make 164 appearances for the club.

His final stages as a professional player were disrupted by the Achilles injury suffered in January 2025, with Chisholm describing his rehabilitation as an uphill battle.

“I still have the want to play and was really looking forward to this season and gave pre-season my all. We tried everything but I just couldn’t get there,” Chisholm said.

“I feel okay about it all and I am at peace with the decision now.”

Achilles injury brings career to an end

Chisholm said his body was ultimately unable to reach the level required for professional rugby despite his determination to return.

His retirement brings an end to a one-club professional career with Harlequins.

Harlequins pay tribute to James Chisholm

Head coach Jason Gilmore praised Chisholm’s contribution both on and off the field, describing him as a team-first player who remained an important presence during difficult periods.

Gilmore also highlighted the rarity of spending an entire professional career with one club and said Harlequins would continue supporting Chisholm as he considers the next stage of his career.

"He's been a formidable player on the pitch and a great character off it too, he's a team-first man who has been so good for our environment, even through the tough moments he has experienced.

"Being a one-club man is rare these days too, so to have played his whole career as a Harlequin is a fantastic achievement.

"It's disappointing for him, and us, that his time representing the club on the pitch has come to a premature end. We're committed to supporting him through the next steps of his career, whatever that may be."