Sale Sharks can confirm that fans’ favourite Josh Beaumont will retire from rugby at the end of the current season.
The versatile 33-year-old has made almost 200 appearances as a Shark since his debut in 2013, which came after he joined Sale on a dual registration deal with Fylde.
The 6’7” forward quickly became a key part of the Sharks pack, and was voted Players’ Player of the Year in 2014/15. Later that year he made his England debut against the Barbarians, starting at number 8 and scoring a try in a 73-12 win.
Josh was named Sharks captain for the 2016/17 season and received a call-up to the England senior squad for the 2016 Six Nations. Unfortunately, he had to miss out due to injury.
Injuries have restricted his appearances in recent seasons, but he’s featured ten times during the current campaign, including eight times in the Gallagher Premiership.
Josh said: “I know I’ll miss being around the lads every day, and I’ll miss the feeling you get on a matchday, playing in front of our amazing supporters. But it feels like the right time to finish.
“I’ve known it was coming for a while, but I’m not sure it’ll really hit home until next season when I don’t have to go in for pre-season.
“I arrived at Sale as a university student and I’m leaving as a dad with grey hair. I’ve had plenty of ups and downs but I’ve loved my time as a Shark. The club means so much to me and I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved.
“We’re competing at the very top end of the league every season now and I’d love to bow out on a high by winning the Premiership.”
