Welsh fullback Stoddart forced to retire

Wales and Scarlets fullback Morgan Stoddart has announced that he will retire from rugby following the serious leg double fracture he sustained playing for Wales against England in August 2011.

Stoddart has been unable to make a full recovery since sustaining the injury before the 2011 Rugby World Cup, which subsequently kept him out of the game for the whole of last season.

Stoddart, who was born in Trealaw in the Rhondda, started his rugby career with his home club Treorchy before joining Pontypridd.

After he joined the Scarlets he was immediately rewarded with Principality Premiership Player of the Year that season for his contribution to Llanelli RFC.

He cemented his place at full back for the Scarlets during the 2007/8 season earning his call-up to Wales for the Autumn Internationals with a try-scoring debut on November 14, 2007. against South Africa.

He secured eight caps for his country and was well on the way to his first Rugby World Cup when the injury occurred.

The fullback admitted that it was a decision he was forced into making by the realisation that he would never return to full fitness.

“It is with real sadness that I have to announce my retirement from rugby and it has been a difficult few months as I come to terms with the fact that I was not going to return to full fitness.

“I have been very fortunate to play for the Scarlets and Wales and have enjoyed every game in my professional career working alongside some brilliant fellow professionals.

“I worked as hard as possible in the year I was off to get back on the pitch and that can be a difficult period for any injured player mentally, as well as physically, but I was determined to get back to playing.

“But ever since I’ve been back on the field I’ve had significant pain in the leg throughout and that has not improved.

“Following a series of medical tests and consultations, detailed scans and strength tests, I’ve been advised that I cannot continue.”

As for life after rugby, Stoddart who studied bio-chemistry said: “I’ll have to adapt and it’s important to give yourself time to consider things in the future after such an intense life playing rugby.

“But I have already started thinking ahead and there are many exciting opportunities for me related to my career to look at and take forward which will keep me occupied now.”