Banahan tribute to 'superb' Watson

FORMER England international Matt Banahan has hailed Anthony Watson as the 'ultimate team man' and a 'true professional' who had an unparalleled ability to beat defenders oneon-one.

- JON NEWCOMBE

Watson announced his retirement from pro rugby at the age of just 30 on Friday, bringing the curtain down on a career that saw him play 56 times for England and tour twice with the Lions in addition to playing for London Irish, Bath and Leicester at club level.

When fit, his best days came in the blue, black and white of Bath, where he made 122 appearanc es and played alongside Banahan for several years before leaving for the Tigers in 2022.

Sadly, his impact at The Rec was limited by two Achilles injuries that required surgery. Latterly, Watson was dogged by calf and back problems and the decision was taken to quit, on medical grounds, after just five appearances for the Tigers this season.

"When you see someone who is so talented coming into a team that meant so much to me, you get a sense of people and what they are willing to do for the squad, and I was thinking this is going to make our squad so much better," Banahan recalled.

"On the pitch, he was a superb player and no-one can ever doubt his skill, his speed, his evasion, the ability to kick-run-pass.