Back injury forces London Wasps’ number eight Dan Ward–Smith to announce retirement: Rugby
Adams Park based English Rugby Union club, London Wasps, has confirmed that the veteran number eight, Dan Ward–Smith, has decided to hang his boots. Officials at the club have confirmed Smith’s decision in a statement released on their website on Monday,
August 29.
The Wasps also stated that Ward–Smith has taken the decision based on the advice of the medical team, following a serious back injury.
The Wasps number eight sustained a Lumbar Spinal injury in April, during the 2010/11 season. He is yet to fully recover from the injury.
Ward-Smith has expressed his disappointment on his premature retirement from the game. He said, “Having to give up the game you love and your career at the same time is beyond devastating. It hasn’t really sunk in yet and the emotion is still quite raw.”
The player also confirmed the injury’s serious nature and the risk associated with playing has forced him to take the decision. He thanked the management, fans, players, coaches and his family for their support, during the tough time.
In replying to a question related to his plans, Ward-Smith hinted that he is considering working as a coach and is moving to Bristol to earn the necessary qualifications. He identified Strength and Conditioning as his prime area of interest.
The New Zealand born Ward–Smith started his professional rugby union career with Plymouth Albion in 1999. He remained at Albion until the end of the 2004/05 season.
At the start of the 2005/06 season, the 33-year-old Ward–Smith joined Bristol Rugby. During his stay there, he made 65 appearances for them and scored 40 points.
In 2009, he joined the London Wasps and made his debut for the Wasps against the Harlequins. He has made 55 appearances for the Wasps and has scored 30 points during his stay at the club.
Ward–Smith has also represented England Saxons and in the seniors’ squad. A knee injury has forced him out of contention for a place in the English team during their 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign.
London Wasps Chief Executive Officer, Chris Thomas, has expressed his grief at the injury-forced retirement of their experienced number eight player. He said, “Everyone at the club is desperately disappointed for Dan, who has been a superb professional and
a great guy to have around.”
Thomas has praised the Ward–Smith’s skills, abilities and attitude both on and off the pitch. He termed Smith as one of the “hard trainers” at the London Wasps.
On behalf of the club, Thomas has expressed his best wishes and sentiments for Ward – Smith in his future endeavours.
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