‘I feel incredibly fortunate’ – Ex-England international Freddie Burns calls time on professional career
Freddie Burns (pictured) has called time on his professional career after nearly two decades
Former England international Freddie Burns has retired from professional rugby after a two-decade-long career in the sport.
The 36-year-old fly-half spent the 2025/26 season with Romanian side Dinamo București, but has also enjoyed stints in Japan, New Zealand and England.
‘Thank you, rugby’
The Bath-born back spent the bulk of his professional career in the PREM, beginning with Gloucester in 2008 after a move from the Bath academy.
He later featured for Bath as well as having two spells at Leicester Tigers, where he etched himself into club history after scoring the winning drop-goal in the 2022 PREM Rugby final.
He also won five Test caps for England between 2012 and 2014, and also featured 11 times for England Saxons.
“As a child, I dreamed of playing just one minute of professional rugby,” Burns wrote on Instagram. “To have lived this career for almost two decades is more than I ever imagined. I feel incredibly fortunate.
“To Cinderford, Gloucester, Leicester, Bath, the Highlanders, Shokki and Dinamo, thank you for allowing me to live out my dream. It was a privilege to represent every one of you.
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“To have represented my country will always have been the greatest honour of my career. Nothing will ever compare to pulling on that jersey.
“To every team-mate, opponent, coach, physio, S&C coach, analyst, team manager, translator and intern who shared this journey with me – thank you. Each one of you shaped me in ways you’ll probably never know.
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“To every supporter who wears their team colours with pride, thank you. I hope I gave you as many reasons to be proud of your team as you gave me reasons to be proud to represent it.
“Rugby taught me many things, but above all it taught me resilience. The setbacks made the successes sweeter, and the challenges shaped the person I am today.
“Thank you, rugby.”
