Tom Shanklin retires

[TRF_Olyy]

http://www.wru.co.uk/26413.php

Wales and Cardiff Blues centre Tom Shanklin has been forced to retire due to a knee injury.
The experienced centre scored 20 International tries in 70 appearances for his country but failed to recover from the injury he picked up in January and on medical advice has made the decision to retire from the game.

Always a shame to see someone forced into retirement rather than go of their own accord
Best thing for him though, at the end of the day - had a great career, doesn't want to end up in a wheel chair forcing himself to carry on

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Shame, good player but was on the cards. A good pro who always gave his all.

 

[dullonien]

Shame to see him having to retire, I was half hoping that he had another couple of season left in him, that he could have spend at the Dragons maybe. Having someone of his experience in the middle would have been great for the youngsters over there. It always looked likely that he would be forced to retire early due to the problems he's had with his knees over the years. Great servant to Welsh rugby, was an integral part to some of our recent success.

 

[Draggs]

A legend who never gave anything less than 100%
Such a shame he missed out on both Lions tours with injury.

What a player he was.

 

[profitius]

Shame, he was a top class player in his prime and always seem to get over the gain line.

 

[coonor]

A great player that always gave his all and focused on his rugby. I wish him all the success with his plans for the future.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

A legend who never gave anything less than 100%
Such a shame he missed out on both Lions tours with injury.

What a player he was.

Nail on the hairless head. One of the best centres Wales has ever had.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Nail on the hairless head. One of the best centres Wales has ever had.

Best centres is debatable. Great player but one of the best no.

 

[Draggs]

Best centres is debatable. Great player but one of the best no.

True, but when paired with Gavin Henson they were fantastic.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

True, but when paired with Gavin Henson they were fantastic.

Fantastic yes. Not going to debate that, but to say he was one of the greatest is a debate. Fantastic without a shadow of a doubt.

 

[Draggs]

Fantastic yes. Not going to debate that, but to say he was one of the greatest is a debate. Fantastic without a shadow of a doubt.

They were a great centre pairing, with complimenting styles.
Henson's defence with Shanklin's attacking; both tough tacklers and good with ball in hand.
Certainly rivals Bateman and Gibbs.

Whether great or 'a great', there is no doubting his commitment.

 

[madflyhalf]

One of the most solid and effective centres in NH! I never enjoyed him, but I always rated him as the most dangerous centre in Wales over the last 5-6 years!
A real shame!

Best wishes for him!