Lloyd forced into early retirement
August 06 2008
Gloucester and England centre Leon Lloyd has announced that a knee injury has ended his impressive rugby union career.
The 30-year-old, who moved to Kingsholm from Leicester last year, suffered serious bone cartilage damage in his left knee while playing against the Ospreys in the Heineken Cup in January.
In March, still plagued by the same injury, he was forced to limp off against Sale Sharks and has not played since.
And on Tuesday, top Harley Street knee specialist Andy Williams advised Lloyd that the injury was career-ending with the player confirming his retirement on Wednesday.
"I am distraught. It was only yesterday that I found out that it was all over so it hasn't really sunk in yet," the five-time international said.
The back has been at Gloucester for one year, having signed a two-year contract. In that time the married father of two has played eight games for the Cherry and Whites, scoring five tries.
"Although I'm bitterly disappointed I think I'll look back on my career and feel incredibly fortunate to have played alongside some truly great players," he said.
"I won twelve trophies at Leicester. There was a five-year period when we won everything there was to win, we were the Manchester United of rugby, and I count myself very lucky to have been a part of that."
Strong finisher Lloyd scored 90 tries in his 269 games for the Tigers and has two tries to his name in an England jersey.
"I want to express my thanks to Gloucester for all the care and support the club has given me and for the help they have pledged to keep giving me," he concluded.
Gloucester's Head Coach Dean Ryan meanwhile was quick to praise the player for his attitude and dedication to the sport.
"Leon is a fantastic professional - a model for anyone wanting to reach the top in the sport - and I thank him for the contribution he made to the squad last season," Ryan said.
"There are very few players who have achieved what Leon has during his career and we are as disappointed and upset as he is that his career has ended in this fashion.
"On behalf of the club, I would like to wish Leon every success for the future."