Leicester Tigers former England centre Tait retires

Former England World Cup finalist, Matthew Tait forced to retire from the 15-man game.  

Tait has be unable to shake off an problematic Achilles injury. 

The Leicester Tigers player for the last eight seasons, was the last active player of the England XV that started in the World Cup defeat to South Africa, in 2007. 

Prior to his move to the Tigers, Tait previously played for Sale and Newcastle, where his club career started.

Tait's final game was against former club Sale, at the end of last season.

 His final try was scored against Saracens on Christmas Eve 2017.

"It isn't how I planned to finish up, this ongoing problem with my Achilles has caught up with me and, on the advice of people much more in the know than me, it's the right time to call it quits," Tait told the Leicester website.

Capped 36 times for his Country, over a five year span between 2005 and 2010, winning the 2012 Premiership with Leicester and 280 club career matches to boot.

The third-youngest ever try scorer in the Premiership, scoring in his debut with his first contact with the ball in May 2004.

"I've been so fortunate to achieve many things in the game and it's hard to pinpoint one highlight, let alone a few, but obviously being able to win the Premiership with Tigers stands out, as well representing my country and, of course, playing in a World Cup Final," he said.

"I also think being able to have played against and alongside my brother Alex is something I'll always remember as being very special.

"I owe a lot to a lot of people who have made it possible for me to live out my dream and I thank every one of those people who have played a role from my school days, through Newcastle and Sale, England and, of course, here at Tigers."