Horror eye injury forces Southend Rugby skipper Michael Guess to quit rugby (From Echo)

Horror eye injury forces Southend Rugby skipper Michael Guess to quit rugby

5:00pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in Sport By Chris Phillips

SOUTHEND Rugby Club’s captain Michael Guess has been forced to announce his retirement from the game, due to a serious eye injury.

The 29-year-old prop picked up the problem during a 20-17 win against Launceston at the start of February.

He has now been told he will not be able to play again.

“I’m just absolutely gutted about it,” said Guess.

“When I went back to see the specialist they told me I could be in real trouble if I suffered another knock on my eye and that made it an easy decision to make.

“But after telling Chris Green and my family I wanted to tell all of the lads and it was quite emotional.

“There were a few tears and it was horrible to think that it was going to be the last time I would be a part of the lads and in the dressing room.”

Guess’ eye became disfigured after the initial injury when his eyeball was squashed while he was in a driving maul.

He immediately had to be taken off but is now looking forward to the next chapter of his life.

“I believe things happen for a reason and other doors will open for me now,” said Guess.

“I have a young family and we have twins on the way so I’ll be able to spend more time with them, but I will still miss my rugby.

“At times you moan about having to train and travel but when you know it’s gone it’s pretty hard to take.

“It’s all contact sport I can no longer play, but I’ve been lucky to have had some fantastic moments in my career and I will have to get used to things.”

Seasiders’ director of rugby Chris Green has now taken over the responsibility of being club captain.

But he is certain Guess will be a big miss.

“Guessy has always been a big inspiration for the people and players around him and it’s a big blow he’s had to retire,” said Green.

“He came back from a broken arm to suffer another injury but we want him to stay involved with the club and we’ve already had discussions about that happening.”