Rebels lock Chris Thomson has been forced to call time on his professional career

Rebels Media Release –

Rebels lock Chris Thomson has retired from professional Rugby, effective immediately. Thomson, who signed for the Rebels ahead of the 2013 season, has battled many injuries during his career and was listed as indefinite on the Club’s latest injury report. The lock announced his decision to call time on his career to his teammates late last week.

Thomson, who has also been battling a knee complaint, didn’t make a Super Rugby appearance for the Rebels, but has certainly made his mark off the field at the Club. Elected as the 2014 Rugby Union Player’s Association (RUPA) Club representative, Thomson is well-equipped for life outside of Rugby and will join his 2013 Rebels teammate Nic Henderson in full-time employment as a member of the Club’s off-field staff.

Popular with teammates and fans alike, Thomson saw his path to first-team action blocked by Wallaby aspirants Hugh Pyle, Luke Jones and Cadeyrn Neville in 2013, though he did make a number of impressive appearances for the Rebel Rising and Southern Districts in the Dewar Shield. Formerly of the Waratahs and Narbonne in France, Thomson recently blogged about his struggle to overcome injury.

Rebels’ CEO Rob Clarke said it was unfortunate to see Chris’ career come to a premature finish, but stressed that Chris would always be a Rebel.

“In professional sport, athletes suffer disappointment often,” Clarke said. “Whether it be injuries, delistings or being dropped from the team, you can never have a situation where every player achieves all of their goals.

“In this instance, Chris unfortunately calls time on his career before being able to achieve all he set out to do. As a Club, we share Chris’ disappointment, and while he won’t be a member of the playing squad we are pleased to see Chris move into the off-field staff. He may never have worn the Five Star jersey in a Super Rugby match, but he will always be a Rebel.

“We are looking forward to seeing Chris transfer his experience as a professional Rugby player into roles within the commercial, community and media teams at the Club. His leadership, communication and analysis skills will transfer well from the playing field to the office.”

Thomson was a key part of the title winning Central Coast Rays side
in the inaugural – and only – ARC competition back in 2009 – Photo: SPA Images

Thomson prepared the following statement, after telling his teammates of his decision at VISY Park.

“I would firstly like to thank my parents Phil and Robyn and my sister Sally who have been my biggest fans. They have supported me through the ups and downs over the past seven years as a professional athlete.  

I have been lucky enough to play with and against many superstars of Rugby throughout my career, and I am extremely grateful and will cherish these memories forever.  I have made many lifelong friends while playing with the Waratahs, Narbonne and now the Rebels and this is what I will take most out of Rugby.

I would like to pay special thanks to my former Club coach at Northern Suburbs, Darren Coleman, who encouraged me to strive to play Rugby professionally.  I idolised former Wallaby Justin Harrison when I was growing up and during my last season at Narbonne I was fortunate enough to not only be coached by him but play alongside him.

I would also like to thank Rob Clarke, Tony McGahan and the Rebels’ Medical Staff who have all been extremely supportive throughout my time at the Club, and I am honoured to be able to remain part of the Rebels family.

To ‘Higgers’ and the Rebels playing group:  I will regret forever not being able to run on to AAMI Park with you.  There is a confidence to succeed within this playing group and I am convinced that you will all be rewarded with what you deserve throughout the season. I am your biggest supporter!”