Mike Tindall becomes last of class of 2003 to hang up rugby boots
World Cup winner Mike Tindall has revealed that he decided to retire from rugby after realising he could not face playing for anyone but Gloucester.
Former England captain Tindall – the last of the triumphant 2003 squad to hang up his boots – spent nine years at Kingsholm, following eight seasons at Bath.
“I could play two more years if I really wanted to but club rugby is a very special thing for me, it’s what I love about the game,” said the 35-year-old centre.
“I had to ask myself if I wanted to go and play somewhere else. Can you get emotionally attached to another club? I don’t think you can. You have to face the big bad world some time and now is the right time to do that.”
Tindall, who won 75 international caps, wants to stay in the game but as a media pundit rather than a coach.