Anthony Watson Retires From Rugby | My Career In My Words

[@tommulcair6302]

23 year old Ireland fan. Watched Anthony’s entire career as proper rugby fan. One of the best wingers I’ve ever seen..

[@Unow-um5cx]

There's only a few players in England rugby history where you can hear the Twickenham crowd get excited when a player gets the ball and Anthony was one. Wish him all the best for the future!

[@ingridwilkinson3187]

I honestly believe Watson is one of the most under rated players England has had in the last 20 years . Proper world class

[@mrmrmusic123]

Him n Nowell should of been on wings for years but got swapped for a fast numpty who don’t know the basics in rugby but quick

[@NicholasFallowfield]

So so sorry to hear this Anthony, but once the initial shock of retirement is overcome then you will have time to reflect on a totally stellar career. You achieved so much with club, country and the Lions and gave us fans so much pleasure. Now it is time for your body to heal and to not batter it anymore. All the best for the future.

[@StevenHargett-x1q]

100% agree, well said

[@ashatron656]

What a shame that his injuries have forced him to retire. But man what a career... what a legend. At his peak he was one of England's all time best wingers. A nightmare for oppositions! Well played Ant! ♥ 👍

[@jamesr2555]

Terrific player. Brilliant footwork, pace, versatility. And a top bloke. Good luck for whatever the future holds

[@Barnett666]

Absolute shame to go out that way. Has always been one of my favourite players. England still miss having his stability, class and quality on the wing. Will always be a legend for what he did on the Lions tour. Thanks for the memories and hope all goes well in retirement!

[@sarahwallington211]

That intercept try in our quarter final match against Australia in 2019 will always be my stand-out memory of Anthony Watson. I still get a daft grin on my face when I watch it.. Such a fantastic player, and obviously a good man as well. Wish him all the best for the next chapter.

[@WalsallGooner]

I was there in Oita, that Intercept from the Kurtley Beale pass was the Icing on the cake.

[@CatPlatton]

Really sad to see Anthony leave the pitch but what an inspiration he’s been to so many ❤️

[@jonwoodward415]

Yeah, a real shame - sorry to hear this Ant. One of our great wingers - thanks for all the efforts wearing the rose. Every success in whatever's next in your career!

[@ilovechickennuggets6017]

As a tigers fan thank-you for giving us a small memorable piece of you..a true rugby artiste

[@aaronhomewood5456]

What a legend you are Anthony, always gave me a thrill watching you and you’re a top lad to go with it! Good to see you’re staying upbeat with the news about having to retire and I wish you all the best with what’s to come next! 👊🏼

[@mikebuntting6716]

Anthony an absolute legend, enjoy more time with your family.

[@Alex-mj5dv]

Amazing player, and not one real weakness. Seemingly part of the last generation of ‘Test match animal’ back three players that could slot in each position and had it all - defence, speed, kicking game and wicked feet.

[@gunner4life568]

he was brilliant during Eddie Jones time with England

[@locointhacoco]

A front rower, a 9 and a wing. All recent international players. Surely the holy trinity of rugby analysis for future pods?

[@martinnorth5700]

So sorry to hear this (for Anthony and as an England rugby supporter). A truly world class player in the back three. I enjoyed watching him play very much (& England always felt more threatening with him in the side) All the best for the future 👍

[@HarryNye]

I share the sentiments of every other comment here and echo those words of not only what an incredible player and winger Watson is/was but an incredibly humble and amiable human being. We wish you all the health and happiness for life after rugby, Anthony but also hope you can stay within the field, offering your insight and knowledge of the game - a joy to listen to as always! (Also, 7:50 that rugby CV is incredible and should definitely be celebrated!)

[@garygavin857]

All those wonderfull testimonials tells you what a talent he was. Also he is a liked & respected person for his character. What ever he does next good luck too him. He has much too offer.

[@Shandyboy8612]

If you’re reading Anthony Watson all the best in your future endeavours. Thanks for all the England memories you gave me, you were the only one player for England where if you were in 5m of space and 20m out from the line I knew it was a try. Career was cut short due to plaguing injuries but you can hold your head high.

[@oj4249]

Anthony what a legend 🔥. 🇿🇦

[@simonarnold3252]

Great servant to the game, really enjoyed seeing him in an England shirt!!! I hope ypu enjoy whatever you choose to do next!

[@griffboy]

Unbelievable player, and what ashame, but how lucky we've been watch Anthony Watson tear it up for all these years, all the best for your retirement!

[@d.jparer5184]

Brilliant player, wish he was welsh! Sad to see him go, fantastic to watch. Always came across as a class act, wish him all the best in his retirement and hope he's happy and succesful in all he does.

[@sozilla]

I have massive respect for Anthony. He's been an absolute beast for England. On the off-chance he reads this, thanks so much for all the magic you've produced across your great career

[@bigowl2542]

Hello lads. Saracens and England fan here. Just wanted to say a massive congratulations to Watson on all he’s achieved. Sorry to hear your struggles recently and hope the future is brighter. Amazing player on the rugby pitch! Easily one of the most electric and exciting player I’ve ever seen. Loved watching you play and thought you wore the rose really well! Easily one of my favourite players. Best wishes in your next steps of life.

[@mattg6902]

sad day , great rugby player who had so much time out through injury. class act ! good luck in the future

[@jamienorwood6855]

What a player. On the positive side hopefully a lot more appearances on 'for the love of rugby' , class act

[@dazzac007]

Only one word sums up Anthony...legend!! Absolutely gutted for you to see you having retire the way you did, but it's completely understandable. What a career you have had and what an incredible player for club and country! I wish you all the best as you start your new chapter

[@joemartin4751]

At his best, Anthony was phenomenal. Congratulations on a wonderful career - you were brilliant to watch.

[@stevewebster5729]

Such a player - fit and firing he was a joy to watch

[@barnigranero5882]

Thanks for giving everything on the pitch over the years.

[@swabs7004]

I first saw you in the junior world cup and I knew you were going to be a star. As a Bath fan I was really lucky to see you play in arguably your best years, and was sorry to see you leave the club. Good luck and best wishes for the future. You were a top player ❤

[@06alepea1]

Gutted that Watson has had to retire before his time. One of my all-time favourite England players. Good luck in the future.

[@henrybullock4514]

One of my favourite players since I started watching rugby. Made the game look so effortless sometimes. Prime dreads Watson won’t be forgotten.

[@RollinRoadblock]

Loved watching him play, when he was fit. All the best for the future

[@MartinP-b9e]

Welshman here. What a player and thoroughly good guy. Enjoy retirement Anthony you were a beast.

[@JohnRidley12]

Wonderful player. Best of luck. I know,.from personal experience, that when backs go like that it's a nightmare. I'm sure that the future will be bright.

[@dougbooth]

Gave a lot to the game, some good memories

[@jimnyjolly278]

What a quality player and man. So adaptable for a winger and unpredictable. The Lions games were class.

[@spartacus1622]

A great player . Wellington 2nd test 2017 , Sonny Bill Williams horrendous shoulder into AW’s head , any normal man would’ve been in hospital, AW’s Physiology Heart and bravery talent shone bright in the rain that evening . ( the first AB’s Red card in 50 years gives you some idea of the brutality ) AW thanks for bringing so much pleasure to so many .

[@chrismoyse3529]

Sad news. As a Bath fan love Anthony Watson. Thank you for everything you have bought to rugby especially at Bath, England and the Lions. Brilliant player

[@Lauramay92]

I'm so sad about this news. Health and family come first. I feel privileged that I got to see him play in October against sarries. As a sarries fan, I was excited to be there for the first time and to see the likes of my England heroes, Anthony, Ben, Mike. Coley was in camp for the autumn nations

[@zkavess7294]

What a terrific player. Best of luck to you in the future dude.

[@soidog659]

Thanks Antony for your service to Rugby. Well done and go well.

[@gravelbikemark]

AW was class at his peak for England and Lions hope I wish him the best of luck.

[@gunner4life568]

brilliant player unfortunate with the injuries but he achieved more than most

[@towerdave4836]

One of the best . A real players player. In the end you have to listen to your body. Great shame but good memories of some stellar performances.

[@Ollllll94]

Its a good time to go, taking that same talent, professionalism, and humility into life chapter 2. Seems like a guy who'll get genuine joy from investing in and helping others around him do excellently. No need for a post career dip, just a redirection of passion/focus. God Bless

[@Badlighter]

Very good test player. For club, country and the Lions. Good luck for the future.

[@LibertypopUK]

congrats to a great career ! Legend

[@martinpickles6695]

Another cracking 'exclusive' gents .. wish AW all the best

[@matthewelder3220]

Great career, injuries often force players of his calibre to leave in this way. Really hope he doesn’t go far from Leicester since his surprise arrival. Loved Eddie Jones voice message 😂 best of luck.

[@StanWilks]

22:10 - Thanks for showing the good side of Eddie. Say what you will, but he loves his rugby.

[@jamesshep909]

Hard to say that he was an underrated player as Watson was absolutely class when playing, but to think he may not go down as a legend of English rugby seems wrong. Dynamite feet, more than just Olympic pace. A joy to watch!

[@senorprofe6212]

awesome player, thanks anthony!

[@davidhughes8795]

A guy who always beat the first tackler, so much so that you just expected it of him automatically, even when he was given a hospital pass. Loved watching him play. All the best for the future!

[@Alex-qc1mt]

Just the start of a new chapter Anthony. Look after yourself. Go and make your mark in media/coaching and look back in pride at the heights you reached.

[@Ben-sg4kp]

Such a shame to be forced into retirement, but what a rapid player. All the best, Anthony. You're such a hugely underrated player

[@MK-jj1kf]

Unbelievable player. Sad to not see ant play again

[@bobrong9645]

That's certainly a blow for England. Wish you all the best.

[@danieltabatabai7777]

Ben... You couldn't be more right about Ant being absolutely electric... Absolute show stopped. And I'm a welshy. Coming to corporate do in a couple of weeks. Can't wait... See you there champ

[@neilsmith8327]

It's a shame . But it happens and glad to see he made the sensible choice good luck for the future

[@ellishockin-boyers4920]

I think when it's all counted Anthony will be considered one of the best wingers ever to wear white, and it looks like from the comments that's a sentiment shared. Obviously an incredible athlete, but he always seemed like a player with a real intelligence about the game which I think is what made him special.

[@mrb1380]

Ahhh no way, but congratulations on a great career. WC final, Lions tours, Grand Slam etc. Not too shabby! Best of luck for what lies next!

[@chrisp4170]

Great player. Wondered why I hadn't heard about his exploits recently. What a blow. Sounds like the right decision, though. The first England winner since Billy Whizz to thrill us every time he got the ball.

[@rugbyanalyst1]

Congratulations on a top career Anthony!

[@KamogeloRakgalakane]

World class player top human being

[@BenRelle]

Go well Anthony - always a pleasure watching you play. Good luck for everything you do in the future.... Edited to add: wry smile about how rugby it is that Lenny is laughing at 2:00

[@FUJITRACK10]

As mentioned already excellent winger but also very good at FB many strings to his bow

[@Grayson_Baker]

An absolute shame. This is a player who actually deserved to get 100plus games for his country. Better than Daly, Nowell and May combined. Absolute presence of a player, who had everything to play across the back.

[@TimboStash]

Top man, top player! Wishing you a happy and hopefully pain free retirement Anthony. If i may be so bold, look into Human Garage, they will be able to help you immensely to regain mobility.

[@charliejones1217]

Dreadlock Watson was unreal 👏

[@stekla2871]

World class, what a shame, really feel for the guy.

[@borysbodnar2111]

Epitome of modesty and values for someone still relatively young with an outstanding career record. Has much more to contribute to Rugby, which I don't doubt he will, quietly

[@lesliedickson-tetteh5197]

Loved this and congratulations on a great career! Who is TT?!

[@Dickie2702]

Sad day for us all!

[@cryptosheets3162]

Legend

[@EnglishVeteran]

Great player, great man. Big loss to Rugby!

[@28copland]

As an Irish man I never knew Dan Cole was so funny top bants

[@lukerichards4135]

One of my favourite players of all time, lancaster-jones era had the best generation of england players 👑 Watson Marler - Cole - M.Vunipola - Hartley - George - Sinckler - Genge - Itoje - Lawes - Kruis - Launchbury - Robshaw - Haskell - B.Vunipola - Underhill - T.Curry - Youngs - Care - Wiggs - Farrell - Ford - May - Daly - Nowell - Tuilagi - Joseph - Barritt - Slade - Ashton - Brown - Goode 🏆

[@eamonlyons8069]

At times he was the best winger in the world

[@marktucker7976]

A really good player, better luck with injuries could have been a great one imo

[@Dihedrals]

Truly a shame we didn’t get to see Ant in an England shirt again. Injuries aside he was one of the best wingers to put on the shirt. Might just be me but the sad music at the start of the episode was a bit corny and took away from a quite poignant moment.

[@TheFishyrabbit]

Get bigger chairs!!! You can tell Len picked them out. Dan and Ant are falling out.

[@LowKey0721]

Bro was fast

[@tomjenkins4619]

Eddie jones came across badly there, again. Couldn’t he have done that somewhere quiet?

[@JackP-dz1sp]

Hope he doesn’t turn into another ex England cryer

[@barryckemp907]

Who’s Anthony Watson???