Rouse calls time on playing career

London Irish second row Nic Rouse has been forced to retire from professional rugby due to a shoulder injury. 

Rouse, 35, who joined the Exiles from Championship side Nottingham in 2013, has made 40 appearances for the Club.  

Awarded the Club’s Players’ Player of the Season accolade in his first campaign, Rouse has consistently been a cornerstone of the Exiles’ pack with his expertise at the set-piece coupled with an abrasive nature at the breakdown.

Spearheading many of the Club’s community initiatives throughout his time with Irish, Rouse played a key role in promoting the inaugural Aviva Premiership fixture against Saracens in New York earlier this year. 

Rouse was on hand to publicise the Try Rugby USA programme whilst in the States, just one of a number of activities that the lock has taken part in.

“London Irish is a Club that is very close to my heart and I’m very disappointed to have to call time on my playing career,” said Rouse.

He added: “I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of my rugby career and I’m now looking forward to the future challenges post rugby.”                

Paying tribute to the London Irish favourite, Head of Rugby Operations Glenn Delaney said: “Nic has been a great servant to London Irish and it is bitterly disappointing to see him retire from professional rugby.

“He has been a fantastic character to have around the Club both on and off the field. Everyone connected with London Irish would like to wish Nic and his family all the very best for the future.”