Angus Macdonald forced to retire after neck injury

Published on 09/02/2013 00:00

GLASGOW forward and former New Zealand international Angus MacDonald has been forced to retire because of a serious neck injury.

The 32-year-old has been limited to four appearances, three off the bench, since joining Warriors last summer following a spell in Japan.

MacDonald, whose two All Black appearances came in a tour of Britain in 2005, said: “It’s a decision every pro athlete has to make at some point and it’s one that has come a little earlier than I would have liked due to the nature of the injury.

“It would have been nice to have played for a few more years but it’s come to the point where the injury is affecting me day to day with my mobility and everyday life so I’ve taken the decision that will give me the best chance of a full recovery.

“I’m gutted that I’ve not been able to pull on the jersey more often for the Warriors but I’d like to thank the club and Scottish Rugby for the opportunity to play here.”

The former Auckland player, whose father Hamish also represented the All Blacks, added: “I’m very thankful to have had the career I’ve had and to have been able to keep playing until I’m 32.

“I’ve played for some great teams and met some great people and had good fun along the way so there are moments that I’ll treasure.

“I’m going to head back to New Zealand for a few months as I’ve been away from the country for five years but I’ve no doubt I’ll come back and cheer on the boys at Scotstoun in the not too distant future.”

Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: “I’d like to thank Angus for his time here at Scotstoun. It’s obviously been a difficult time for him with his neck injury and we never really got to see the best of him, but throughout his time here he has been nothing but a true professional. He’s a popular member of the playing squad and the fans appreciate his time and effort off the field so it’s sad to see Angus have to make this decision but we wish him all the best for the future.”

Glasgow face Zebre tomorrow to end a weekend of Scotland-Italy battles on the international stage. The Warriors will be led by victorious Scotland A captain Ryan Wilson in Parma fresh from the triumph over England Saxons in Newcastle last Friday night.

Townsend said: “Obviously a lot of our players are involved with the Scotland set-up but the strength of the side we are able to field is a testament to the quality of players we have at the club. Any game away in Italy is a real challenge and we have to make sure that we are sharp and ready for Zebre.”

ZEBRE

15 T Tebaldi

14 A Bacchetti

13 R Quartaroli

12 M Pratichetti

11 A Castagnoli

10 D Halangahu

9 A Chillon

1 M Aguero

2 A Manici

3 D Ryan

4 M van Vuren

5 J Sole

6 F Cristiano

7 M Bergamasco (c)

8 D van Schalkwyk

Subs

16 C Festuccia

17 S Perugini

18 L Redolfini

19 M Bortolami

20 E Caffini

21 F Ferrarini

22 A Chiesa

23 A Benettin

GLASGOW

15 P Murchie

14 R Lamont

13 A Dunbar

12 G Morrison

11 B McGuigan

10 S Wight

9 N Matawalu

1 G Reid

2 G Price

3 J Welsh

4 T Ryder

5 T Swinson

6 J Strauss

7 J Barclay

8 R Wilson (c)

Subs

16 F Brown

17 E Kalman

18 O Fainga’anuku

19 N Campbell

20 J Eddie

21 S Kennedy

22 F Russell

23 F Thomson