Statement: Exeter Chiefs forward retires with immediate effect aged 27
Rugby NewsMonday, 27 May 2024 at 22:01
Exeter Chiefs lock Matt Postlethwaite has been forced to retire from rugby on medical grounds.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
The Yorkshireman has had an injury-plagued tenure at Sandy Park and despite a lengthy rehab process, having sought medical advice, he has been forced to retire.
The 27-year-old arrived as a new member of the Chiefs squad ahead of the 2023/24 season. Since then he has made three Chiefs appearances, scoring one try.
Joining Ilkley Rugby Club at just five years old, Postlethwaite developed into a promising young player who earned a place in the Yorkshire Carnegie Academy.
From there, the forward progressed into earning a contract with Premiership side Sale Sharks. Arriving at Carrington Lane ahead of the 2015/16 season, Postlethwaite spent his time on dual registration with National One side, Sale FC.
Try Celebrations for Matt Postlethwaite of Exeter Chiefs as he goes over for a try during the Friendly match between Exeter Chiefs and Royal Navy Rugby at Sandy Park on 6 Mar 2024. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
While being forced to retire due to injury was not how Postlethwaite predicted the end of his rugby career, he is now focused on a new journey away from the sport.
“It’s been a tough period of time for me, getting injured and then trying to com back following my operation. This is not how I would have wanted my time in the sport to come to an end, but I’ve loved every minute of my time at Exeter Chiefs.
“This club has a very special group of lads and I feel proud and privileged to have been a part of the team this year.
“I’d like to sincerely thank Rob Baxter and all the Chiefs staff for giving me the opportunity to have played for such a great club. The help they have also given me off the field has been invaluable.
“I’ve enjoyed my time in Devon so much that I plan to remain here with my family. I must thank them, especially my wife Kate, for the endless support they have given me throughout my career.
“I can’t wait to see what the club can go on to achieve, and I wish all of the boys the very best for the future.”
The club would like to thank Matt for his time as an Exeter Chief and wish him well for everything that lies ahead.
Five biggest shocks from Borthwick’s latest squad – Zach Mercer left out again
There were a number of high-profile absentees as Steve Borthwick named a 19-player training squad to begin preparations for the forthcoming Summer Series against Japan and New Zealand.
The squad will assemble at Pennyhill Park on Monday 27 May for a four-day training camp.
England’s Summer Series begins on Saturday 22 June with a Test match against Japan in Tokyo before embarking on a two-Test tour of New Zealand in July.
England training squad (19 players)
Forwards
Fin Baxter (Harlequins)
Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs)
Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers)
George Martin (Leicester Tigers)
Gabriel Oghre (Bristol Bears)
Guy Pepper (Newcastle Falcons)
Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs)
Rusi Tuima (Exeter Chiefs)
Backs
Charlie Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby)
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs)
Max Malins (Bristol Bears)
Luke Northmore (Harlequins)
Harry Randall (Bristol Bears)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers)
High-profile absentees:
#1.Joe Launchbury (Harlequins)
There have been rumours that the veteran might have done enough to earn a recall. Although he missed the last few games due to a calf injury, there's still a good chance he could join the squad as the final announcement approaches.
Joe Launchbury of Harlequins during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Gloucester Rugby and Harlequins at Kingsholm Stadium on October 14th, 2023 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Phil Mingo/PPAUK/Gallagher)
#2. Zach Mercer (Gloucester)
There was a lot of buzz this week about Mercer possibly returning to the international team. However, yet another squad was announced without him being recalled. The sidelined number 8 must be questioning what more he needs to do to earn a spot on the team.
Zach Mercer of Gloucester Rugby during the Challenge Cup Final Match between Gloucester Rugby and Hollywoodbets Sharks at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 24 May 2024. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#3. Josh Hathaway (Gloucester)
The young fullback, who has been making waves for Gloucester in recent months, has been overlooked this time. Born in Aberystwyth, the 20-year-old is now on the radar of Wales boss Warren Gatland.
Given what happened with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso earlier this year, it's crucial for Gatland to integrate the 20-year-old into the Welsh setup soon, or they risk losing another talented youngster to their neighbours.
Josh Hathaway of Gloucester Rugby during the Challenge Cup Final Match between Gloucester Rugby and Hollywoodbets Sharks at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 24 May 2024. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#4&5. Joe Marler (Harlequins) & Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers
We can only assume that the veteran forwards, who have been key players for the England squad since Steve Borthwick took charge, have been granted some additional time off before joining the camp at a later stage.
Joe Marler of England during the Six Nations Match between England and Wales at Twickenham, London on 10 February 2024 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
#6. James Williams (Bristol Bears)
He has risen from obscurity to become a mainstay of the Bristol midfield, earning a spot in the Telegraph Premiership Team of the Season.
The 27-year-old, who found stability at Bristol after moving between several clubs, proved to be an assured playmaker and ultimately became a guaranteed starter for the Bears during their successful run after Christmas.
James Williams of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Leicester Tigers and Bristol Bears at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, Leicester on 27 April 2024. Photo: James Whitehead/PPAUK
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading