London Wasps full-back Hugo Southwell retires at 33

Scotland and Wasps full-back Hugo Southwell has been forced to retire at the age of 33 after failing to recover from a serious hamstring injury.

Southwell joined from Stade Francais in 2011 and was captain last season when the club successfully battled against relegation. His first season at Wasps saw him win the Players’ Player of the Year award.

However, he has not played at all this term and has now become the latest high-profile player to retire through injury. “This has been a very difficult time for me and I am absolutely gutted that I have been forced to retire,” said Southwell, who played 40 games for Wasps.

“It is a situation I never thought I’d find myself in and nothing quite prepares you for it. I believed I had so much more to give, which is why Terry Evans, our physio, and I tried everything possible to get me fit after I sustained the injury in pre‑season.”

Southwell made his Scotland debut against Samoa in 2004 and went on to win 59 caps with his last being against Wales in 2011. Wasps have prepared for Southwell’s exit by signing Rob Miller from Sale. Director of rugby Dai Young said: “Hugo has been a brilliant addition to the team, on and off the field.”