Injury forces Rouse to retire

Ex-Blues player ended playing career with London Irish

FORMER Newbury Blues lock Nic Rouse has announced his retirement after a playing career that took him through the leagues and finally to London Irish.

A shoulder injury has forced Rouse’s retirement at the age of 35. He had joined Exiles from Championship side Nottingham in 2013, going on to make 40 appearances for the club.

He was also the club’s Players’ Player of the Season in his first campaign and has consistently been a cornerstone of the Exiles’ pack with his expertise at the set-piece coupled with an abrasive nature at the breakdown.

Rouse also played a key role in promoting the inaugural Aviva Premiership fixture against Saracens in New York earlier this year, and was on hand to publicise the Try Rugby USA programme whilst in the States.

““London Irish is a Club that is very close to my heart and I’m very disappointed to have to call time on my playing career,” said Rouse.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of my rugby career and I’m now looking forward to the future challenges post rugby.”

Rouse first played league rugby at Newbury before moving to Manchester, Plymouth Albion and then to Nottingham

Exiles Head of Rugby Operations Glenn Delaney said: “Nic has been a great servant to London Irish and it is bitterly disappointing to see him retire from professional rugby.

“He has been a fantastic character to have around the Club both on and off the field. Everyone connected with London Irish would like to wish Nic and his family all the very best for the future.”