Chiefs lock forced to retire on medical grounds

Exeter Chiefs lock Matt Postlethwaite has been forced to retire from rugby on medical grounds.

The Yorkshireman has had an injury-plagued tenure at Sandy Park and despite a lengthy rehab process, having sought medical advice, he has been forced to retire.

The 27-year-old arrived as a new member of the Chiefs squad ahead of the 2023/24 season. Since then he has made three Chiefs appearances, scoring one try.

Joining Ilkley Rugby Club at just five years old, Postlethwaite developed into a promising young player who earned a place in the Yorkshire Carnegie Academy.

From there, the forward progressed into earning a contract with Premiership side Sale Sharks. Arriving at Carrington Lane ahead of the 2015/16 season, Postlethwaite spent his time on dual registration with National One side, Sale FC.

While being forced to retire due to injury was not how Postlethwaite predicted the end of his rugby career, he is now focused on a new journey away from the sport.

“It’s been a tough period of time for me, getting injured and then trying to com back following my operation. This is not how I would have wanted my time in the sport to come to an end, but I’ve loved every minute of my time at Exeter Chiefs.

“This club has a very special group of lads and I feel proud and privileged to have been a part of the team this year.

“I’d like to sincerely thank Rob Baxter and all the Chiefs staff for giving me the opportunity to have played for such a great club. The help they have also given me off the field has been invaluable.

“I’ve enjoyed my time in Devon so much that I plan to remain here with my family. I must thank them, especially my wife Kate, for the endless support they have given me throughout my career.

“I can’t wait to see what the club can go on to achieve, and I wish all of the boys the very best for the future.”