Wasps' Alex Rieder forced to retire on medical grounds

Wasps back-row Alex Rieder has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect after failing to recover from a knee injury.

A product of Yorkshire Carnegie Academy, Rieder had a loan stint with National League side Wharfedale during the 2011/12 season and later joined Championship outfit Rotherham Titans. His impressive performance for the Titans earned him the Player of the Season award during the 2014/15 season following which he headed to Ricoh Arena.

The 28-year-old has featured for Wasps 32 times but was sidelined with lengthy knee and shoulder injuries over the last two years that has limited his appearances for the club and eventually has decided to call off his playing career on medical advice.

“I’m obviously gutted that I have to retire from playing the game I love," he told the official website of the club.

“It’s been a real rollercoaster with plenty of highs and lows over the past few years.

“I’d like to thank everyone at the Club for their support throughout. I’ve made some fantastic lifelong friends and will always keep an eye on the boys’ progress in the future.

“I would like to also thank the Wasps fans who couldn’t be more passionate and welcoming, and also to my partner Victoria, family and friends, who without their support I could never have achieved my dream of playing for my dream club.”

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young thanked Rieder for his contribution to the club.

“It’s a terrible shame that Alex hasn’t been able to recover from his knee injury as he is a tremendous competitor and has been great when he’s put on the Wasps shirt," said Young.

“We’d like to place on record our thanks to Alex for his services to the Club and we all wish him the best moving forward.”