Lewis Carmichael retires, aged 26

In a rather surprising development, Edinburgh and Scotland lock, Lewis Carmichael, has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the age of just 26, according to a piece in edinburghrugby.org. 

During his career, the 1.96m, 112kg Carmichael turned out 47 times for Edinburgh and even enjoyed a short stint with the Western Force in Super Rugby. He was called up to the Scottish national side by Gregor Townsend in 2018 and won two caps for his country. 

“Unfortunately, I’ve taken the decision to retire following advice from my medical advisers having sustained a number of concussions over a short period of time. 

"I’m obviously gutted I'll no longer be playing professional rugby but I know it’s the right decision having discussed my situation with a number of specialists and the medical teams at both Edinburgh Rugby and Scottish Rugby. 

“With Edinburgh Rugby, the breakthrough season that I had in 2017-18 was pretty special. I played a lot of rugby that year. 

"That win over in Ulster in 2018 – which saw Duncy Weir slot a last-minute drop goal – was definitely one of my rugby highlights and then, before that, getting my first Edinburgh cap over in Munster in 2016 was pretty special too. 

“I really do look back on my memories with Edinburgh with great fondness – the connections I’ve made with teammates will be friendships that I have for the rest of my days. 

“It was obviously a huge honour and dream come true getting my first cap for Scotland against Canada. My dad was out there and saw me play, so it was just an amazing feeling and a really proud moment for my family. 

Carmichael has taken up a position with Rugby for Life – a Scotland Rugby initiative which helps players in the transition into a life after professional rugby. 

“Looking ahead, I’ve not made any final decisions on what I want to do next season but, as a rugby fan, I’m really keen to stay in the sport in some capacity and do some coaching. 

“There’s nothing nailed down at the moment but I’m going to take a bit of time to just relax and plan my next steps – I’m excited for that next challenge.” 

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach, Richard Cockerill, said: “As a club, we’re obviously gutted for Lewis. It’s never easy to see any player step away from the game at a young age. 

"He’s a good man, and a player that has given a lot to Edinburgh Rugby over the years. He’ll be sorely missed by the coaching staff and squad, and we wish him all the very best.”