Lewsey calls it quits
10 Dec 2008
England utility back Josh Lewsey has announced his retirement from Test rugby.
The 32-year-old has won 55 caps and a World Cup-winners medal with England, but after failing to make Martin Johnson’s squad ahead of the Autumn internationals, he has been forced to reassess his Test ambition.
“I spoke with Martin on the phone earlier this week and as he didn’t consider me to be an integral part of his immediate team moving forward, I have decided that I would be better served committing myself entirely to my club, London Wasps,” said Lewsey.
“Playing, but more importantly winning, for your country is the most special feeling one can achieve. My last game for England was the semi-final of the World Cup in Paris last year and scoring the game’s only try was in hindsight a fitting moment to last wear a national jersey.”
Lewsey has ruled himself out for England, but still has hopes of playing for the British & Irish Lions against South Africa.
“Lastly it is still a huge goal of mine to be part of a winning Lions tour. Therefore, my decision is also made in that I believe performing well in a successful club team week in and week out gives me the best chance possible of being selected for next year’s Lions Tour.”
20 Comments
10 Dec 2008, 14:15 pm
Lewsey drag on…
10 Dec 2008, 14:16 pm
quitting lewsey dragons
10 Dec 2008, 14:16 pm
tsk
10 Dec 2008, 14:21 pm
class plaayer
10 Dec 2008, 14:51 pm
Very disappointed about this. Johnson wouldn’t pick him and now he’s quit. We need players like Lewsey for the 6N and now he’s gone.
10 Dec 2008, 15:03 pm
“It is with a huge fondness for the game that I love, and after consultation with Martin Johnson the England team manager, I have decided to retire from representing my country on the rugby field,” Lewsey said.
“I spoke with Martin on the phone earlier this week and as he didn’t consider me to be an integral part of his immediate team moving forward, I have decided that I would be better served committing myself entirely to my club, London Wasps.
“After 55 caps, many training sessions and a vast amount of laughter I’d like to thank all the coaches, medics and especially the players that have made my England career so memorable over the past ten years. Playing, but more importantly winning, for your country is the most special feeling one can achieve. My last game for England was the semi-final of the World Cup in Paris last year and, although I would have liked to have contributed since, scoring the game’s only try was in hindsight a fitting moment to last wear a national jersey.
“Lastly, though having played in 2005, it is still a huge goal of mine to be part of a winning British Lions tour. Therefore, my decision is also made in that I believe performing well in a successful club team week in and week out gives me the best chance possible of being selected for next year’s Lions Tour. “
(times uk)
10 Dec 2008, 15:04 pm
#5 Big Hit:
like said class player..
picking Geechs to pick him as bolter
10 Dec 2008, 15:57 pm
Lewsey is a class act as a player. He was one of the few England players I really enjoyed watching. His ball skills were fantastic. A total player and one of the best players to wear the English jersey in the past decade.
I am hoping he will be picked for the Lions Tour.
10 Dec 2008, 16:02 pm
#8 Mike Brass:
Couldn’t agree more. He is far better than any of the palucas playing now, Toby Flood excluded.
10 Dec 2008, 16:50 pm
at least he got to play during the (not very long) golden era of woodward/johnson. man that clive woodward appointed a coach/consultant for every damn thing. he even had a full-time guy to hold his bottle of spring water during training sessions.
10 Dec 2008, 16:59 pm
so this is what happens when you smack the new “golden boy” for not making tackles……or was it for being a celebrity geezer…….or sleeping with a man?
ag, whatever.
cheers josh, thanks for all the fish.
10 Dec 2008, 17:34 pm
I rekon Martin Johnson should retire from coaching!
10 Dec 2008, 19:07 pm
“Lastly, though having played in 2005, it is still a huge goal of mine to be part of a winning British Lions tour. Therefore, my decision is also made in that I believe performing well in a successful club team week in and week out gives me the best chance possible of being selected for next year’s Lions Tour” ………… best possible chance !!, does this mean McGeechan and co will prioritise club games over the 6 nations …. woohahaha good one Lewsey.
Truth is you are not popular in English rugby circles and Martin will only select you as a last option. You must be mates with Fluke Watson.
10 Dec 2008, 19:18 pm
#6 Big Hit: Oh dear how sad, still never mind, I thought he had quit years ago, playing decent rugby that is!!
10 Dec 2008, 19:19 pm
#7 greatest13gerber: Him gone now, he no good, gonnne forr gooddd
10 Dec 2008, 20:00 pm
CHAZ Report comment
December 10th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
News just in from the Daily Mail, J Wilkinson aka broken *** will retire from all international rugby from 2009, quote “My body can no longer handle being abused, and I have to think of my future” talks have begun with MJ as he would be ideal as a backs coach for the english rugby team.
MJ has approached Lord Ted and asked if he could have one NZ’s players to fill the gap left by Jonny, as there are no english players good enough to make the “B” team, Ted has yet to reply as he had to lie down after laughing so hard!!!!!
10 Dec 2008, 22:00 pm
Who is he?
10 Dec 2008, 22:39 pm
#17 Hurricane: i dunno?
11 Dec 2008, 01:19 am
He is rubbish. He is good ion defence and he as the capabilities of being a quality defender.. Lucy is what England lack, England cannot defend..
11 Dec 2008, 01:21 am
#19 Tbozknows: Particularly in defence in the back line..
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