Sheridan forced to retire

 

The 34-year-old was injured while playing for Toulon and had one season remaining on his contract with the French side, but in the summer the club began planning for the likelihood of losing him and the worst-case scenario was realised.

 

He had considered the possibility of looking for another club, before being given the medical orders to call time on his career.

 

Sheridan last played for Toulon in February, when he had to come off during a home Top 14 match against Biarritz at Stade Felix Mayol.

 

Soon afterwards he had surgery on his neck, but the operation didn’t serve as a miracle cure.

 

He had suffered an injury in the same area last November and it was apparent that he could no longer withstand the persistent problems.

 

An official announcement arrived on Tuesday from Sheridan’s management company, James Grant, confirming that he has retired in order to pursue a career in the wine trade.

 

As a rugby player, Sheridan went out on a high at club level. In 2013, he was a stalwart of the multi-national Toulon team who won the European Cup, beating French rivals Clermont Auvergne in the final in Dublin.

 

Before the operation, which ultimately signified the end of his career, the loosehead prop had helped put his side on course to retain their European title and finish last season with the coveted domestic prize — the Bouclier de Brennus; as Top 14 champions.

 

Sheridan, who won the last of his 40 England caps at the 2011 World Cup, was a cornerstone of the England team which reached the 2007 World Cup final.