Aussie 7s Captain Ed Jenkins Retires from Rugby Sevens due to Injury

Ed Jenkins retires

The most-capped Australian rugby sevens player, Ed Jenkins, has officially retired from his beloved Aussie 7s team with immediate effect, due to injury.

His battle with a shoulder injury has forced Jenkins to retire after consulting with specialists. In a career spanning ten years, Ed Jenkins was the first Aussie to notch-up 50 caps in Australian rugby sevens.

“I’d like to say I came to the decision but I think it was the two surgeons that rammed it home to me that continuing to play wouldn’t be great for my health and wellbeing.”

Jenkins told Rugby.com.au his feelings, after the shock news was made public. He retires after amassing 547 points in 52 appearances in ‘Aussie Gold’. The 31-year old captained his nation to the Olympic Games in 2016, and won a Silver medal at Delhi 2010, and a Bronze medal at Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games tournaments.

He leaves with many accomplishments, and with a squad that has both depth, and youthful exuberance. They currently sit sixth on the HSBC Sevens Series circuit.

Ed Jenkins Retires Due to Injury

In a press release from the Rugby Australia, Jenkins spoke of his sadness to leave the game prematurely. “I would have loved to have played a few more years for my little girl Indiana, for her to be able to have those memories when she’s old from when Dad was a rugby player. So I’m upset that she won’t get to see that but when I look back at what I’ve achieved and what I’ve done, I can’t really be upset.

“Looking back on it, the Commonwealth Games, medalling at both of them in 2010 and 2014 was special. I was hoping to get the other coloured medal that’s missing on home soil this year [Gold Coast Games] but that’s not meant to be.

“The Olympics was very special, and I’ve had a few Cup wins along the way, which will always stand out, as great memories for me,” Jenkins commented.

Aussie 7s coach Andy Friend Comments on Jenkins Retirement

“He’ll leave a lasting legacy, not only on the game but also with this current group of players. His mental toughness and professionalism are second to none. If our current group of young players mirror those traits, then our program will be in a very healthy position.

“Ed has been a terrific servant of the game and has helped take Sevens to a new level in Australia.”

“It would’ve been fitting to give him a home swansong; either at the Sydney Sevens in a fortnight or on the Gold Coast for the Commonwealth games but unfortunately it’s not to be,” Friend said

While team mates, friends and fans maybe sad, don’t expect the man to ‘give up on rugby sevens’ entirely. As the budding businessman and loyal Australian rugby supporter will certainly be back after surgery, helping the team he loves in any way he can.

Ed Jenkins poses with the Men’s Sevens Player of the Year Award during the John Eales Medal at Royal Randwick Racecourse on August 27, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Ed Jenkins Biography

Height: 185cm
Weight: 92kg
DOB: 26/05/1986
Aussie 7s debut: Wellington, New Zealand 2008
Caps: 52   Points: 547 (109T, 1C)

Achievements: Silver Medal – Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010, London Sevens Cup Winners 2010, Tokyo Sevens Cup Winners 2012, Bronze Medal – Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2014, Member of Aussie 7s Olympic Games squad – Rio de Janeiro 2016.

Winner of the Men’s Sevens Player of the Year, 2015  (see above picture).

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