Tuesday truly marked the end of an era for English rugby after Mike Tindall confirmed his retirement from the game.
The 35-year-old centre is the last of the Red Rose’s 2003 World Cup-winning squad to call time on his career following Iain Balshaw’s retirement four days ago. Known as a physical and committed player, Tindall won 75 caps for England and played in 17 Premiership seasons.
He captained his country at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and also represented the Barbarians.
Tindall conceded that his decision was not an easy one, telling reporters: “I could play two more years if I really wanted to but club rugby is a very special thing for me, it’s what I love about the game. International rugby and the Lions are great but club rugby is your bread and butter and dictates where you go in your life.
“You have to buy into that. I always wanted to be a one club man but that didn’t happen. But I was very lucky to be at two great clubs in Gloucester and Bath. And I want to thank them both for all they have done for me.”
Tindall also had special words for Gloucester, whom he joined from Bath in 2005.
“Obviously Gloucester is closer to my heart because of the way it finished and I was here for a year longer,” he continued. “I had to ask myself if I wanted to go and play somewhere else. Can you get emotionally attached to another club? Because that is the pull of club rugby for me.
“I don’t think you can. I always say ‘never say never’ but I wouldn’t have thought I will be back. You have to face the big bad world sometime and now is the right time to do that.”
He has made the right decision and they are typically sensible comments from the former England star.
So, the time has come to pull the curtain down on England’s golden era and turn to the Red Rose’s next generation – and a World Cup on home soil next year.
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- Mike Tindall
Article source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/rugby-world-cup/10634807/Rugby-World-Cup-2015-organisers-seek-6000-Olympic-style-volunteers.html
Mike Tindall"s retirement marks the end of an era for English rugby
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