Premiership: Harlequins lock Matt Symons set to hang up his boots
Harlequins second-row Matt Symons has announced that he will hang up his boots at the end of the Premiership season to embark on a new career.
The 32-year-old will retire from professional rugby in the summer, calling time on an 11-year playing career which began in Esher and saw him head to New Zealand to captain the Chiefs in Waikato before returning to England to play in the country’s top flight for London Irish, Wasps and, finally, Harlequins.
A part of the Harlequins side that claimed the 2020/21 Premiership title, Symons will close his career having played over 80 times in the Quarters.
Commercial real estate move
As the lock forward retires this summer, Symons will transition into a new role in commercial real estate with Jones Lang LaSalle in central London.
“Matt has been an absolute warrior for the club since he joined us four years ago. He is one of rugby’s good guys and was instrumental to our Premiership win last season. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with the big man,” said director of rugby performance Billy Millard.
“We wish him nothing but the absolute best as he transitions into his new role in the city at the end of the season and we look forward to a few more months of working together at the business end of our campaign before he retires.”
Symons said: “I think there comes a natural time for every rugby player to hang up their boots, and I feel fortunate to be able to make that decision on my own terms.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given through professional rugby. It has given me the chance to live out a childhood dream and meet some fantastic people. I’m now really excited to shift into a new working environment, where I can hopefully add value using some of the skills developed through elite sport.
“Winning the Premiership here with Harlequins last season is my most cherished rugby memory. Overall, from the journey to New Zealand and finishing up back in London, I’ve been very lucky.
“Thank you to everyone that played a part, however small, in my career. A special mention must go to my wife (Tash) and mum (Sharon) for their unwavering support.
“I’m grateful to be able to put my all into the remainder of the Premiership season here at Quins with a title defence on the line.
“This is a special group that can and has done incredible things. I’m glad to be able to push for one more trophy before I bow out.”