It is with great sadness we share with you all that Luke Chapman has announced he will retire from playing rugby following advice from medical professionals.
The fan-favourite, who reached his 50th cap earlier this season, will hang up his boots as a result of a foot injury he sustained five years ago.
In our interview, Chapman spoke of the reasons behind the decision.
He said: “About a week ago I was medically advised to retire from the game. I’m quite devastated but I kind of knew it was coming. I broke my foot about five years ago, didn’t realise and then my foot healed in a deformed way and it’s caused me to only have reduced mobility”.
“I was told that if I were to continue playing that there was a very high risk of a re-injury.”
The 26-year-old played over fifty games for Plymouth Albion at prop and is a well-respected player amongst the ranks at the club. There have been many highlights over the years, but Luke admits there are a few that stand out among the rest.
“The one memory that sticks in my head is my first start for the club back in 2014 when we played Leinster here at Brickfields in the British and Irish Cup,” said Chapman.
The game saw tries from Lewis Warner, Elliot Clements-Hill and Tobias Howley-Berridge. Albion lost the encounter 24-31, but the memory remains fresh for the then-18-year-old Chapman.
“I also remember when we played Coventry here about three years ago and we had a crowd of around 3000 people. We only just lost but I’ll always remember that being a special game to have been a part of”.
Luke will continue to receive support from Albion and will be aided through his rehabilitation by the club therapist team led by Mark Mears.
“The Therapy Team at Albion will continue to work with Luke following his announcement. The current injury is one in a line of injuries for Luke. The Therapy Team have put together a rehabilitation plan to assist Luke with his moving forward from this current injury and we will continue to work with him until this is satisfactorily resolved.”
Chappy capped off the interview by talking about the future and that he plans on staying in rugby!
“I’d like to stay in rugby for sure. I’ve spoken to Scays [James Scaysbrook] about the possibility of doing some work around the scrum. Harry Williams is at the club now so it would be good to learn from the best.”
See the full interview here:
Written by Alfie Martin
