Bath Rugby can confirm that Danny Grewcock will be retiring at the end of this season.
The Bath, England and British and Irish Lions legend will call time on a professional career that started in Coventry, and has spanned 15 years.
One of the most respected players of the professional game, Danny joined Bath from Saracens in 2001, and the imposing lock has gone on to make 226 appearances in the Blue, Black and White, scoring 12 tries in that time.
Formidable in the line-out and at scrum time, Danny made his England debut in 1997. He went on to receive 69 caps in total, and was part of the 2003 Six Nations Grand Slam and World Cup winning squads. He later received an MBE for his part in the World Cup victory.
He was also a member of the 2001 and 2005 British and Irish Lions touring sides that played in Australia and New Zealand, and featured in all three tests against the Wallabies.
Despite calling time on a ten year playing career with Bath, Danny will stay at the Club in a mentoring capacity, focusing particularly on working with the young players coming through our schools and into the Bath Rugby Academy. As a cornerstone of the Club for so long on the playing side, he will play a key role in getting the foundations and culture right for the next generation of Bath Rugby players.
Speaking about the decision, Danny said “I have been incredibly lucky to play for such a long time at such a great Club. I have enjoyed every minute of it, and have been very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to stay involved throughout. I’m really looking forward to working with the young players at the Club, and helping them to progress with their careers.”
Bath Director of Rugby, Sir Ian McGeechan, commented “Danny is one of the most respected players in the game today, and will remain so even after his retirement. He has reached the highest level a player can, and should be very proud of his lengthy career. His hard work, dedication, and commitment to the game, both on and off the field, serve as a great example to any young player, and I look forward to working with him at Bath in his new capacity.”
Head Coach, Steve Meehan, added “Danny has been a pleasure to work with over the last five seasons at Bath as he has always worked hard on improving his game and represents the complete professional. He has always given his all, whether it is during a game, in training or in other activities away from the pitch where he is representing the Club. Those are qualities that every player should have and I have no doubt that he will go on to be as successful in his new role with the Club as he has been throughout his playing career.”