Calling time: Lee Mears
Bath have announced the retirement of hooker Lee Mears with immediate effect due to an abnormality that was noticed in his cardiac screening.
A veteran of 268 club appearances, 42 England caps as well as one for the British & Irish Lions, Mears has been with the Rec outfit since 1997.
"Bath is my club and I love it. This is not how I saw it ending but I feel enormously proud to have played for such a club so many times," he said.
"This will be a tough period, but the memories I have and the friends I have made over the years will be of huge support. Thank you to the Club and to the supporters, I've loved every minute."
Bath head coach Gary Gold added: "Mearsy is a legend, pure and simple. His retirement will be felt by all of us at the Club, and also by the supporters who have cheered him on over the years. The only thing that matters is that he is healthy, and if that means he stops playing, then that's the way it has to be. He will be missed, but we will always welcome him back with open arms. This is his Club, and it always will be. We send him off with real affection and gratitude."
Comments
APV1 says...
@ pentwynfarm - I'll be at the Rec this weekend and I suspect there'll be a mixed atmosphere. If I see him, that pint is on me.
Posted 11:20 12th February 2013
Frooschman says...
Its only a game Lee. I'm glad they caught this early although you will be sorely missed. I only hope that the management do the decent thing and find a role for this young man.
Posted 11:09 12th February 2013
pentwynfarm says...
Always enjoyed him coming on as a sub (mainly) for England, always very dynamic in the loose. And as NHsaints said, you just don't see that sort of club loyalty these days anymore, which should be lauded.
He's a legend in Bath and I'm sure he'll never have to buy a pint there for the rest of his life.
Posted 09:39 12th February 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
What a possitive role model he is. Bath should set him up as a mentor for their youngsters for starters. Good Luck Lee and please stay connected to the sport.
Posted 09:24 12th February 2013
NHsaints says...
That's a real shame, he was one of those guys who was faithful to their clubs for years and years and were fantastic to watch. Odd to think the most experienced hooker in England (bar Chuter who might as well not be playing at all now) is now Dylan Hartley...either way this guy has been a real inspiration to all the height challenged players who want to be a forward in the pro era, I mean you don't win England and Lions caps for nothing...
Posted 16:12 11th February 2013
TVaddict says...
Sad news. He always came across as a very technically proficient player so maybe a successful career in coaching awaits him?
Posted 14:43 11th February 2013
bullitt says...
Never a fan of him as a player, but you never want to hear news like this.
Posted 13:23 11th February 2013
Propmelsey says...
Well done Lee .... a great hooker for both Bath & England. Watched him a few times down the Rec always good seeing him run riot in the loose ... never let anybody down :) x
Posted 13:07 11th February 2013
melkdave says...
Have to say i had alot of respect for L.Mears ,a grest hookerwho was accurate with his throwing and carried well in the loose.England where blesed to have him ,Good luck Lee in your next endevour ,perhaps coaching,beckons ??
Posted 11:43 11th February 2013
APV1 says...
Such a shame. He has the heart of a lion, only for it to let him down.
All the best for the future - here's hoping you stay connected with the club.
Posted 11:34 11th February 2013