Rob Webber announces retirement

Sale Sharks and former England hooker Rob Webber will retire at the end of the 2019/20 Premiership season after playing over 300 professional games for club and country.

The 33-year-old will call time on a sixteen-year career that has seen him represent Leeds Tykes, Wasps, Bath Rugby and Sale Sharks at the end of season after deciding to pursue other opportunities within rugby.

On announcing his retirement Rob, he said:

"The time has come for me to hang up my playing boots at the end of the 19/20 Gallagher Premiership season. 

"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.

"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.

"I feel that Sale Sharks are in a great place, and it has been a pleasure to watch the club develop under new ownership. There is a great group of players at the club and I will be working hard to help us fulfil our potential and  finish the season as strong as possible.”