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Harlequins statement: Ross Chisholm retires, Charlie Matthews leaves
Harlequins have announced that stalwart Ross Chisholm is to retire and experienced lock Charlie Matthews will leave the club at the end of this season. Quins are in Big Summer Kick-Off mode, signing off on their various preparations for this Saturday’s match at Twickenham versus Bath. Part of that readiness is confirmation that the 32-year-old Chisholm and the 31-year-old Mathews won’t be with the Londoners next season.
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A statement read: “Harlequins stalwart Ross Chisholm has announced he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the 2022/23 season having amassed 128 appearances in a 14-year career at the club.
“An electric and versatile back three player, Chisholm started at Haywards Heath before earning selection in the Harlequins academy, making his senior debut in 2009. Chisholm soon became a regular squad member helping Quins win the European Challenge Cup in 2011, the Aviva Premiership in 2011/12, Gallagher Premiership in 2020/21 and the LV Cup in 2012/13.
“In May 2019, Chisholm achieved his milestone 100th Harlequins cap against Worcester Warriors, before earning three further appearances during the victorious 2020/21 season. Alongside his playing career, Chisholm was also appointed the Harlequins women’s skills coach, joining the coaching set-up in August 2022.
“Harlequins have also confirmed that experienced lock Charlie Matthews will depart at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season. The Academy graduate, who re-joined Harlequins in August following two years in Japan, has appeared eight times this season to take his club tally to 172 matches.
“Matthews amassed 164 Harlequins appearances between 2009 and 2018, earning 109 starts before moving to Premiership rivals Wasps ahead of the 2018/19 season. The 6ft 7in forward achieved 27 appearances for Quins and Wasps in the Champions Cup and represented England at Saxons and age-group level.”
Head coach Tabai Matson said: “Ross has been an outstanding servant to Harlequins for his entire career and we are enormously proud of his dedication and commitment to the club for the best part of 14 years. He is an exceptional leader, a fantastic role model for our young players and a true favourite amongst the Harlequins faithful. We are sad to see Ross retiring from rugby, but we are hugely grateful for his service and loyalty to Quins
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“We are also massively grateful to Charlie for stepping back into the Harlequins programme this season and for contributing a huge amount to our club. He has been an outstanding Harlequins ambassador and we are thankful for the commitment and service he has shown. I know our fantastic supporters have loved having Charlie back at The Stoop. He is an academy graduate and a club centurion and will always remain part of the Harlequins family.”
Chisholm added: “I have a huge amount of pride to have played for my boyhood club. I remember as a 10-year-old sitting in the stands and watching Keith Wood score a try for Harlequins. As a local lad that really sparked my love for the club and my desire to want to play for Quins.
“I am sad to be hanging up my boots but immensely grateful for the amazing memories I have experienced. Having the opportunity to play alongside my brother James, and being privileged to play in some incredible triumphs, winning two Premierships, the LV Cup and European Challenge Cup.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Interesting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
12 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
12 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
12 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
12 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
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