Wales flanker Josh Navidi retires from rugby union with ‘serious neck injury’

The Wales and Cardiff flanker Josh Navidi has been forced to announce his immediate retirement from rugby union because of a serious neck problem. Navidi sustained the injury while making his 33rd appearance for Wales in their third Test against South Africa in Cape Town last July. Navidi has been unable to make a sufficient recovery, and has now announced the end of his distinguished playing career.

“It is with great sadness but also an immense amount of pride that I am announcing my retirement from rugby,” the 32-year-old said in a statement on Cardiff’s website. “Although I knew this day would come eventually, I don’t think I was ever really able to prepare myself for how difficult it would be to put into words just how much of an impact the game has had on my life.”

In a brief statement, Cardiff said: “Josh Navidi will retire from rugby with immediate effect after failing to successfully recover from a serious neck injury.”