HARLEQUINS have announced that former England hooker Matt Cairns has had to retire from the game on medical advice with immediate effect.
Cairns, 34, has suffered from an ankle injury which, despite surgery and the best medical attention, has been confirmed as a long term problem.
Since joining Harlequins in 2009, Cairns has made 30 appearances for the club. He was capped by England in 2007 against South Africa.
Announcing his decision, Cairns said: “Rugby has been such a massive part of my life, so the fact that my career has ended sooner than expected has been difficult to accept.
“While I will miss the camaraderie of the great players that I’ve played with, I have lots of happy memories, and I would like to thank everyone that has helped me throughout my career, especially Conor O’Shea and all the players and staff at Harlequins.
“The fact that my playing career is over is still sinking in, and I’m still deciding what’s best for my family and myself.”
O'Shea, Quins' director of rugby, added: “Matt has been a great servant not just to the club, but also to the game of rugby. He has achieved so much during his playing career and will be missed both on and off the pitch.
“Retirement on medical grounds is difficult to come to terms with, especially when it is unexpected. We will support him during this transition from playing to whatever his new career will be, and we wish him and his family well in the future.”
