The former Wales flanker Jonathan Thomas has been forced to retire at the age of 32 after being diagnosed with epilepsy that is thought to have been brought on from multiple head traumas.
Thomas, who helped Worcester back into the Premiership last season, is said by the club to have suffered “a degree of brain injury” and took the decision on medical advice.
The club’s high-performance director, Nick Johnston, said: “We’ve sought the best medical opinion in the country in order to try to enable Jonathan to prolong his career. But unfortunately, on the advice of consultants, he has been advised to retire from professional rugby.”
Thomas said, in a statement posted on the club website: “I’ve learnt a huge amount during the last few months about head trauma, seizures and epilepsy, and it would be great if I could help out in some way. At the elite level of the game, I think the unions and medical departments of clubs do a great job and have a great understanding, but I still think it’s the players who need more educating about the warning signs and getting out of that ‘digging in’ mentality.
“I must stress, however, in no way would I discourage anyone from playing the game that has given me so much. Also in no way do I regret anything about my rugby career, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
“In regards to the immediate future, I’m going to take some time out but have no doubt I’ll stay involved with the game in some capacity. I would also like to get involved with charity work specifically related to head injury and help people gain a better understanding of what trauma can cause and how to deal with it.”
He added: “I’ve done everything in my power to keep playing. However, there comes a point when you realise you need to listen to medical experts and also do what’s best for your well-being.
“I am keen to stress there are many different types of epilepsy, and I’m fortunate to only suffer from it in a mild way compared to some. Naturally though, it has proved too difficult to continue as a professional athlete. I have been working closely with my medical team and consultant for many months, and hoped this was something that could be managed in order for me to continue playing, but sadly this isn’t the case. I am extremely grateful to the medical staff and management for all the support they have given me during this time.”
During a successful career in which he made 67 appearances for Wales, Thomas played a central role at the 2003 and 2007 World Cups and was named in eight consecutive Six Nations squads between 2004–11, featuring in two grand slam-winning teams.
At club level, the back-row enjoyed a 10-year spell at Ospreys where he made a 188 appearances to equal the club record. He also won four league titles and an Anglo-Welsh Cup. He moved to Worcester in 2013, making 44 appearances in two seasons.
Their director of rugby, Dean Ryan, said: “It’s with great sadness that after all his efforts Jonathan has had to concede his fight to continue playing rugby. This is a great opportunity to celebrate all of his success as a player but also to go on record in how grateful I am in the courageous decision he took to come and join me here at Warriors.
“Some of our greatest challenges have come during these first two years, to ensure we redirect this club to a more successful future, and Jonathan’s actions have been fundamental to this. I wish him and his family success in their next steps in life.”
