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#Post#: 89347--------------------------------------------------
Symo's retiring
DIR By: Fearless Fred
Date: April 27, 2022, 8:02 am
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Link
HTML https://www.quins.co.uk/news/matt-symons-to-retire-from-rugby-at-end-of-the-season
MATT SYMONS TO RETIRE FROM RUGBY AT END OF THE SEASON
Wednesday, 27th April 2022 @ 14:00
HTML https://www.quins.co.uk/uploads/165104724174068/resize_980_350.png
HARLEQUINS LOCK MATT SYMONS HAS ANNOUNCED THAT HE WILL RETIRE
FROM RUGBY AT THE END OF THE CURRENT SEASON
Symons, 32, will hang up his boots this summer as he calls time
on an 11-year playing career that began in Esher and saw him
travel to New Zealand to captain the Waikato Chiefs before
returning to England to play in the Gallagher Premiership for
London Irish, Wasps and, finally, Harlequins.
A totemic figure within the Quins side that claimed the 2020/21
Premiership title in dramatic fashion, Symons will close his
career having played over 80 times in the Quartered jersey over
the last four years.
Symon’s route to professional rugby was a rarely-travelled one.
First taking up the sport within the Saracens youth system from
the age of five, he left the North London side to pursue a
career in rowing, going on to take up a spot in the Great
Britain rowing programme. A forearm injury prematurely ended
Symon’s rowing ambitions, seeing the 6ft 7inch and 120kg lock
return to rugby in 2011 to play professionally for Esher.
Impressing during his time in the Greene King IPA Championship,
Symons opted to move to New Zealand, settling in Christchurch to
play for Canterbury in the ITM Cup as a regular starter. The
Harlow-born lock subsequently earned a full-time contract with
two-time Super Rugby champions the Chiefs, who he would go on to
captain before his eventual return to England in 2015.
As he retires this summer, Symons will transition into a new
role in commercial real estate with Jones Lang LaSalle in
central London.
Director of Rugby Performance Billy Millard said: “Matt has been
an absolute warrior for the Club since he joined us four years
ago. He is one of rugby’s good guys and was instrumental to our
Premiership win last season. It’s been an absolute pleasure to
work with the big man.
“We wish him nothing but the absolute best as he transitions
into his new role in the city at the end of the season and we
look forward to a few more months of working together at the
business end of our campaign before he retires.”
Commenting, Symons said: “I think there comes a natural time for
every rugby player to hang up their boots, and I feel fortunate
to be able to make that decision on my own terms.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given
through professional rugby. It has given me the chance to live
out a childhood dream and meet some fantastic people. I’m now
really excited to shift into a new working environment, where I
can hopefully add value using some of the skills developed
through elite sport.
“Winning the Premiership here with Harlequins last season is my
most cherished rugby memory. Overall, from the journey to New
Zealand and finishing up back in London, I’ve been very lucky.
“Thank you to everyone that played a part, however small, in my
career. A special mention must go to my wife (Tash) and mum
(Sharon) for their unwavering support.
“I’m grateful to be able to put my all into the remainder of the
Premiership season here at Quins with a title defence on the
line.
“This is a special group that can and has done incredible
things. I’m glad to be able to push for one more trophy before I
bow out.”
#Post#: 89348--------------------------------------------------
Re: Symo's retiring
DIR By: poorfour
Date: April 27, 2022, 8:03 am
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Sad to hear, but not unexpected. Best wishes for him in his
future career.
#Post#: 89350--------------------------------------------------
Re: Symo's retiring
DIR By: quins4life
Date: April 27, 2022, 8:07 am
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Sad news, but it has been on the cards and predicted for a
while. He has been an awesome signing and been an underrated
part of the success we’ve had.
Feels like some big recruitment is needed in the 2nd row
department as our two key starters for the last few months (Symo
and Tiz) leaving and Lewies is very injury prone… think we need
two top players to come in with this in mind
#Post#: 89353--------------------------------------------------
Re: Symo's retiring
DIR By: poorfour
Date: April 27, 2022, 8:12 am
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--- Quote from: quins4life link ---
>
> Sad news, but it has been on the cards and predicted for a
while. He has been an awesome signing and been an underrated
part of the success we’ve had.
>
> Feels like some big recruitment is needed in the 2nd row
department as our two key starters for the last few months (Symo
and Tiz) leaving and Lewies is very injury prone… think we need
two top players to come in with this in mind
>
--- End Quote ---
You can think it, but with the cap where it is next season I
think you will be disappointed. The club normally holds a couple
of big name signings back for season ticket renewal time, but it
would be very unusual to announce one after the renewal campaign
has launched (and is full up...).
My expectation is that Dino, Hammond and Jurevicius will step up
to play alongside Lewies, and Christian Scotland-Williamson will
also make his presence felt next year. From what we have seen of
the first three this year, they are ready to make the
transition.
#Post#: 89354--------------------------------------------------
Re: Symo's retiring
DIR By: never sleep
Date: April 27, 2022, 8:13 am
---------------------------------------------------------
--- Quote from: quins4life link ---
>
> Sad news, but it has been on the cards and predicted for a
while. He has been an awesome signing and been an underrated
part of the success we’ve had.
>
> Feels like some big recruitment is needed in the 2nd row
department as our two key starters for the last few months (Symo
and Tiz) leaving and Lewies is very injury prone… think we need
two top players to come in with this in mind
>
--- End Quote ---
There is rumour of Irné Herbst joining
(South African 197cm + 117kg from Benneton)
#Post#: 89355--------------------------------------------------
Re: Symo's retiring
DIR By: T-Bone
Date: April 27, 2022, 8:17 am
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Not unexpected but a shame. He's younger than I thought - fairly
young to be retiring, but makes sense to go out on your own
terms. Glad to hear he's got a new career lined up already.
A very underrated part of our success
Sounds like he's had a pretty interesting career too.
Wish him all the best
#Post#: 89357--------------------------------------------------
Re: Symo's retiring
DIR By: Fearless Fred
Date: April 27, 2022, 8:31 am
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In other news it's just been announced Tom Youngs is retiring
with immediate effect.
#Post#: 89358--------------------------------------------------
Re: Symo's retiring
DIR By: JammyGit
Date: April 27, 2022, 9:02 am
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32 is very young to retire. Glad he goes out on a high. We'll
miss him.
#Post#: 89360--------------------------------------------------
Re: Symo's retiring
DIR By: Twickersman
Date: April 27, 2022, 9:11 am
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What a warrior. He has really stepped up in the past two or
three seasons. We have had the likes of Horwill, but no one has
managed to fill Oli Kolns boots. His work around the field,
tackling the big men, hitting rucks etc...will be missed.
Scott Williams hopefully will step up next season, he looks a
great prospect and it is good that the club is tacking their
time with him, hopefully that will prove to be a great move for
next season.
#Post#: 89361--------------------------------------------------
Re: Symo's retiring
DIR By: Quinston Churchill
Date: April 27, 2022, 9:18 am
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Not surprised but still a bit gutted. A proper unsung hero who
has been a massive part of our recent success.
Hopefully he’s fired up for one last trophy before he rides off
into the sunset.
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