England International ‘Forced’ To Retire At Just 33 Because Of Pandemic
Jason Hennessy
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No chance.
Former England international Nick Abendanon has been forced to hang up his boots at just 33 with his contract at Clermont Auvergne set to expire over the summer.
The former European Player of the year, who joined Clermont in 2014 after nine seasons at Bath, was hoping to impress potential clubs this season and a move elsewhere.
But with the ongoing pandemic shutting down sport all over the world, Abendanon will not get an opportunity to prove himself in the Top 14 this season.
“It’s difficult but at the end of June, I have to stop, I haven’t got a choice,” Abendanon told newspaper Midi Olympique.
“In my head, I hoped to play as much as possible at the end of the season to prove I was at this level and I deserved a contract at another club.
“It’s not at all my decision. There are things above us in life, events more important than your plans. I don’t feel ready to stop but I have to.
“I had contact with some clubs, discussions that were advanced. But everything went cold. Now, I have nothing.”
