Sheridan Forced to Retire

Toulon forward and former England international Andrew Sheridan announced on Tuesday that he will be retiring from rugby with immediate effect.

The devastating scrummager, who represented both England and the British and Irish Lions, has failed to recover from a neck injury he suffered whilst playing for Toulon in the Top 14, which required surgery in February.

The prop forward won 40 caps for his country, which included starting the 2007 World Cup final against South Africa in France, before making two Lions Test appearances in 2009.

His final England appearance came against Argentina during England’s torrid 2011 World Cup campaign in New Zealand.

In a statement posted on their official website, James Grant said: "James Grant has announced today that their client Andrew Sheridan has retired from rugby with immediate effect on medical grounds.

"Andrew, 34, has failed to recover from the neck injury he sustained last season playing for Toulon and the subsequent operation he underwent, back in February.

"Capped 40 times by England and twice by the British and Irish Lions, Andrew will now focus on completing his qualifications in wine before looking to forge a new career in the trade."

In full flow, when playing for Sale Sharks over a period of nine years, Sheridan was regarded as one of the best and most devastating scrummagers in world rugby.

During his time with the Manchester side he helped them win the Premiership title along with the European Challenge Cup, before crossing the Chanel to Toulon in 2012.

The 6ft 5in Dulwich College product made his England debut against Canada in 2004, and he was then selected for the Lions tour to New Zealand six months later, playing in five midweek matches, but no Tests.

However, perhaps Sheridan’s most impressive and notable performance came in the 2007 World Cup quarter final against Australia in France. The Aussie front row felt the full force of his power as he led England to victory as the man-of-the-match.

Sheridan featured in all seven games during that World Cup campaign, which culminated in England losing 15-6 to South Africa at Stade de France.

Sheridan's retirement means just three members of that England starting XV are still playing professional rugby - Leicester back Mathew Tait, Sale wing Mark Cueto and Harlequins number eight Nick Easter.

 

Talking Rugby Union would like to wish Andrew the best of luck in all of his future endeavours and thank him for his great service to the game.