ENGLAND rugby star Sam Jones has been forced to retire aged 26 after shattering his leg in a judo fight with Maro Itoje.
The Wasps flanker also busted his ankle while grappling with the Red Rose forward during a training camp in 2016.
Jones, who was expected to be out of action for just five months, was preparing for the Autumn Internationals, where he was tipped to make his full debut.
But the injury turned out to be much more serious than first thought and last month it was reported that he had been advised to quit.
Jones said: “Unfortunately the injury was a complicated one and my rehab wasn’t progressing the way we wanted, with multiple set-backs along the way.
“The decision was made for me, which was tough to hear.
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“I gave it everything and don’t have any regrets from my time playing.”
A Wasps statement read: “It is with great sadness that Wasps announce the enforced retirement of Sam Jones.
“The decision has been taken based on medical advice from a leading consultant.
“The 26-year-old suffered an ankle dislocation while training with England prior to the 2016 Autumn International series.
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“This caused significant additional damage including a fracture of the fibular bone, disruption of the ligaments joining the main bones of the ankle, a rupture of the medial ligament plus significant damage to ankle cartilage.
“After a series of operations, he has worked tirelessly in an attempt to return to action.
“However, after making several abortive attempts, the hard-working back-rower has finally been forced to concede defeat and bring his playing career to an end.
“Having worked his way through Wasps’ academy and represented England at under 16 and 18 level, Sam made his senior debut against Newport Gwent Dragons in December 2010.
“He went on to appear alongside Elliot Daly, Joe Launchbury, Dan Robson and Christian Wade in the 2011 under 20 World Cup final, then in subsequent years to earn selection for England Saxons prior to his call-up for the senior squad in 2016.
“Jones broke into Wasps’ senior side on a regular basis in 2011 and has remained there ever since, amassing 118 appearances including a number as captain.”
Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young added: “It’s awful news. Being a Director of Rugby for 16 years, unfortunately it’s not the first time I’ve known a player retire through an injury, but Sam’s situation has really hit me hard.
“He was destined to be a Wasps legend and a club captain and I’m sure those things would have led to many England caps.”
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