It's always sad to see any player's career end due to injury but even more so when that player is at the top of their game. Chris' performance in the LV=Cup final was something special and who could have guessed that he was carrying an injury!
Chris Whitehead has spoken of his disappointment after it was confirmed this week that he will have to retire from professional rugby with immediate effect. Part of the club's LV= Cup winning side of a fortnight ago, the 27-year-old hooker has heeded the words of top specialists regarding his degenerative neck problem and called time on his four-season spell at Sandy Park.
It's always sad to see any player's career end due to injury but even more so when that player is at the top of their game. Chris' performance in the LV=Cup final was something special and who coulod have guessed that he was carrying an injury! Chris has made himself something of a fans favourite for his off field activities as well as on field performances. Before your mind runs away with things Chris was part of a regular local radio programme 'the PowWow' on radio Exe. He gave some great insight to player banter with the brave ones appearing on the show.
Chris leaves many fond memories from his four years with the Chiefs but thankfully he had the experience of winning a trophy with the Chief. Good luck Chris, I'm sure you'll prosper in whatever you do and as they say in these parts "once a Chief always a Chief".
Saddened to hear this news about Chris. I have every respect for all players who put their bodies through tremendous pressure.
Best of luck to you Chris......always a member of the Chiefs Family
I've said it once, worth saying it again. Thank you Chris for all you've done for Chiefs.
Sad to see you have to retire, but I'm sure you will make a success of the future no matter what you do.
All the best to you and your family, your a top bloke who always found time to chat even in Waitrose.
Good luck to him in the future, always came across as one of the more switched on/grounded players such as his forward planning of setting up a busines so that he had something once his playing days were over. Also one of the technical hookers, even winning hooks against the head
Sorry to hear this devastating news. Always thought him to be a great player and a top bloke from when he was here at Bedford, and that continued even more so when he left to join your fantastic club. I wish him all the best for the future.
Great to see he is staying in the area and hopefully we will see him as a spectator and I assume we will get a chance to show our appreciation of him this Sat before or after the game.
Terrible news for the Chris & the Chiefs. Looked a real clubman who gave everything for the jersey. Best of luck in his future career( From a Bath supporter)
Its truly incredible the number of lovely comments and messages tha Chrissy has received is testimony to how much he is loved on and off the field. Lets really get Sandy Park rocking this weekend and chop our boys to victory for Chrissy!
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