Leicester hooker Theobald-Thomas forced to retire

Leicester Tigers hooker Finn Theobald-Thomas has been forced to retire immediately on medical grounds.

The 23-year-old joined Tigers ahead of the 2023-24 season and made 33 appearances.

The Prem club did not disclose the nature of Theobald-Thomas's injury, but said, external that they and the Rugby Players' Association will "continue to support Finn as he begins the transition into retirement".

"It's difficult to put into words what rugby has meant to me," Theobald-Thomas wrote on Instagram., external

"This isn't how I imagined my career ending, and having something I've worked towards and loved for so much of my life taken out of my hands is incredibly difficult to accept.

"But when I look back, a kid from Bradmore lived the dream of playing for his boy hood rugby club, I feel nothing but pride and gratitude. Rugby has given me some of the best moments of my life, friendships that will last forever, and memories I'll carry with me long after I've stopped playing."

Tigers head coach Geoff Parling said: "I'm gutted with this news of Finn's retirement from rugby, both from a team point of view and for him personally to have such a promising rugby journey cut short."

"He is a loveable bloke who is exactly the type of character you'd want to be around, unselfish and fully invested in the team. We'll miss him and he knows that he'll always be part of this team."