Rob Webber to hang up boots at end of season

Adam Kyriacou

Sale Sharks and former England hooker Rob Webber has announced he will retire at the end of the season, bringing to an end a 16-year career.

The 33-year-old has represented Leeds Tykes, Wasps, Bath and Sale Sharks and following 2019/20 will pursue other opportunities within rugby.

On announcing his retirement, front-row Webber revealed he was thankful for the opportunities he has been given throughout his rugby career.

“The time has come for me to hang up my playing boots at the end of the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership season,” the powerful hooker said.

“It has been an incredible journey over the last 16 years. The memories I have made will stay with me always, but I now feel it is time to pursue other opportunities within the game.

“I feel very lucky to have played with and against some of the world’s best players and to call many of them mates. The friendships I have made along the way I will take with me everywhere I go.

“My clubs; Leeds, Wasps, Bath and currently Sale Sharks have all been brilliant places to go to work every day. I’d like to thank the coaches and staff for all you have done for me.

“The opportunity to play for my country, tour the world and to be involved in a World Cup are career highlights and achievements I will cherish forever. Thank you to the fans who have supported me throughout my career, the game wouldn’t exist without you.

“But most importantly thank you to the unsung people who have made it happen; my family. my wife Lauren, daughter Ronnie, my parents and my brother – thank you for the sacrifices you made to give me the opportunity.”

Steve Diamond, Sale Sharks director of rugby, added: “It’s a shame to see Rob leave the club earlier than expected. I did everything I could to keep Rob at the club for the final year of his contract, but it was clear he had made his mind up and as a club we wanted to support his decision to pursue other opportunities within the game.

“In my opinion, Rob has shown the best form of his career whilst at Sale and we are unfortunate to be losing such an experienced player at the end of the season.

“‘Webs’ has had a great innings and is one of the last of the old guard in the Premiership. I have no doubt that the skill set he has shown both on and off the pitch at Sale, along with the experience he has in the modern game, will stand him in good stead as he looks to transfer into an off-field role.”

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