Sam Tuitupou and Phil Nilsen announce their retirements

Centre Sam Tuitupou and hooker Phil Nilsen have confirmed their intention to retire from professional rugby at the end of the current season.

The pair joined Coventry Rugby in 2017 ahead of the club’s National One title-winning campaign, and have since played important roles in the Blue-and-Whites’ first year back in English rugby’s second tier.

Sam Tuitupou:

Tuitupou, who recently turned 37, is known across the rugby world thanks to a glittering career in his native New Zealand, Ireland and in the English Premiership where he enjoyed nine years with Worcester and Sale.

Having lifted the U19 and U21 World Cups as a junior All Black, the powerhouse midfielder went on to win nine New Zealand caps between 2004 and 2006, finishing on the winning side on seven occasions.

Sam Tuitupou said:

“The goal for me had always been to continue to around 40 so I could play with my boys but the time has come.

 “This also means I can go out on my own terms while the body still has the capability to play. I’ve sacrificed a lot over the years so now it’s time to give back to my seven kids and my wife.

“I enjoyed playing in New Zealand where I was brought up, but I’ve played most of my career in England where I made lots of memories and friends that I will keep for life so that is home now.

“I always thought I would play for Tonga, as that is my heritage, but representing the All Blacks was massive for me and my family and is something I will always treasure.

“I was very lucky to play for some great clubs in Europe in Worcester, Munster and Sale then being part of a championship win at Coventry – the first since my Auckland days – was very special.

“I’m going to be starting up my own player agency which will keep me in the rugby environment – although it will take some time to get used to not being around the boys.”

Phil Nilsen:

Abrasive front-rower Nilsen, 34, joined Coventry after a long and distinguished career at Yorkshire Carnegie.

He originally arrived at the Headingley-based club as a 17-year-old back-rower, but on the advice of future England head coach Stuart Lancaster soon converted to hooker, where he made his senior debut in 2006.

Nilsen went on to make over 200 appearances for Carnegie, which positions him behind only Mike Shelley on the club’s all-time list.

Phil Nilsen said:

“After 17 years I’ve decided to call it a day – I’ve had a long career and really enjoyed it.

“I’m moving to Gibraltar with my family and hope to stay a bit involved by playing the odd invitational game or doing a bit of coaching, but this is the end of my professional playing days.

“I was the second highest appearance maker at Leeds and I was very lucky to then find this opportunity at Coventry.

“I came here because Cov are an ambitious club and I thought I could add something to it. I turned up to a fantastic atmosphere on the first day and I’ve enjoyed it ever since.

“I’m very proud to have been part of a club with such a huge history for the last part of my career after so many years at a brilliant place like Carnegie.

 “I’ve had three seasons in the Premiership, appeared in cup finals and won promotions at both clubs so I’ve loved every minute but now it’s time for a new challenge.”