Wasps left broken Harted
London Wasps back row John Hart has been forced to retire from all rugby following injury.
The long serving Hart, who has made 165 appearances for Wasps since his senior debut in 2003, has been advised that he must stop playing immediately due to a shoulder injury.
The 30-year-old who has captained Wasps on 38 occasions, graduated from the Wasps academy making his full senior debut in November 2002.
In his time at the club he played in two winning Premiership Finals as well as playing a key role in the squads which won two Heineken Cup titles.
His representative honours include England at Under-21 level and playing in the 2003 IRB Junior World Cup.
Hart said: “I’m really disappointed to bow out this way but the decision was taken out of my hands unfortunately. I had hoped I would be able to carry on to the end of the season but after the game against Northampton it was clear that I wouldn’t be able to. I’ve had great support from the club in this matter and I want to thank everyone for that through a difficult time.
“London Wasps has been my only club and I have been honoured to be part of the side of over a decade. I will look back on my time with the Club with great pride and always know how privileged I was to win Premiership and Heineken Cup titles.”
Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: “Harty has been a lynchpin in the Wasps side for a number of years and I have been hugely impressed with him in my short time with the club. His leadership and passion for Wasps was the reason I named him my captain at the start of the season and it’s sad to see him have to retire before the season is out. We wish him all the best in the next stage of his life.”
