Leicester Tigers prop Dan Cole has announced his retirement from rugby at the end of the season, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
Cole, with a career spanning 19 years, has participated in 565 matches throughout his career, including 118 appearances for the England national team, making him the second male player with the most international matches. On Saturday, in the match against the Newcastle Falcons, he will add at least one more match to his impressive record.
The Tigers are in second place in the Premiership Rugby. The semi-finals will take place on June 6th and 7th, and the final is scheduled for June 14th at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
It hasn’t been an easy decision at all. I’ve been debating it, however, I think this is the best time to stop playing.
Dan Cole
Cole added:
I think, with Ben Youngs, Julián Montoya and others who are close to my age, finishing their time at the club at the end of the season, as well as the new chapter next season with Geoff Parling as head coach, it’s time for the club to move forward and the right time for me to leave.
Dan Cole
The player also expressed that this decision, although difficult, is the right one, acknowledging the physical challenges that come with age and the need not to prolong his time on the field more than necessary.
