Leicester further depleted at hooker after young gun forced to retire

Leicester Tigers have confirmed the sad news that Finn Theobald-Thomas has been forced to retire from rugby with immediate effect on medical grounds.

The 23-year-old hooker joined Tigers ahead of the 2023-24 season, having previously played for Worcester and Gloucester, and made 33 appearances for the club.

His last appearance was seven months ago, as a replacement for Jamie Blamire in the Slater Cup tie against Gloucester at Villa Park, a game the Tigers won with a bonus point.

Theobald-Thomas, who is being supported by the Rugby Players’ Association and Leicester as he begins the transition into retirement, played all the way through the age groups for England.

Tigers head coach Geoff Parling commented, “I’m gutted with this news of Finn’s retirement from rugby, both from a team point of view and for him personally to have such a promising rugby journey cut short.

“He is a loveable bloke who is exactly the type of character you’d want to be around, unselfish and fully invested in the team. We’ll miss him and he knows that he’ll always be part of this team.”

With Jamie Blamire and Charlie Clare, Leicester two first-choice hookers last season, both out injured, Leicester are down to the bare bones in the position.

New signings Samiuela Moli and Corbin Thunder, who is on a short-term loan deal fron National 1 club Sale FC, covered hooker in last week’s win at Newcastle Red Bulls.

But beyond those two, the Tigers are short of options and will be hoping to get more fit bodies back on the park as soon as possible.

Of the two, Clare’s injury is thought to be more long-term. The Tigers stalwart went off holding his shoulder in last month’s PREM Cup game against Harlequins, while Blamire picked up a leg knock at home to Saracens on the opening day of the Gallagher PREM season.