England forward forced to retire

Oct 10 2008 WalesOnline GLOUCESTER have suffered a huge blow on the eve of their Heineken Cup campaign with England forward James Forrester being forced to retire from rugby. The 27-year-old, who won caps against Wales and Samoa in 2005, has accepted medical advice following an 18-month battle against serious knee trouble. Forrester, an outstanding back-row forward who scored 51 tries in 134 Gloucester appearances, was hurt during a Guinness Premiership game against Bristol at Ashton Gate. He missed the whole of last season, then attempted a comeback in a second team match earlier this term, but his top-flight career is now over. Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan said: “James will be sorely missed. “He was part of a group of people who helped evolve the style of rugby we are playing now. “His interpretation of the game was... [read full story]