Holmes calls halt to become a city slicker

NOTTINGHAM skipper Tom Holmes has called time on a 13-year career in the wake of the Championship funding cuts.

Holmes had recently regained fitness after a series of injuries when the truncated season came to its early conclusion.

He hoped to carry on playing top-flight rugby for at least another two or three seasons, but the sport’s changing landscape has caused him to hang up his boots.

The 30-year-old lock was already undertaking a mentorship programme at financial brokers Goodman Corporate Finance in Long Eaton. It was part of a plan to equip him for life after rugby. He is now moving into a more full-time role with the company and intent on building a client base.

He said: “It’s solely due to the cuts and the coronavirus, unfortunately. My body felt good and I was just getting into the season, so it’s a shame.

“Unfortunately, the funding cuts and this current situation have changed it so much for me. I’ve played a good amount of rugby, I’ve also had issues with injuries. I think it’s time for me to concentrate on finance in terms of a full-time job.”

Nottingham will remain a professional club next season but on a much more part-time basis.

Holmes was scouted by Premiership giants Sale aged just 16 and represented England at U16 and U18 level.

He says: “I was at Sale for a good period of my career and had some great times there and then had some good times at Rotherham Titans and Nottingham.

“If this had happened when I was 25, I’d be really struggling.”

Holmes, whose summer wedding has been impacted, will continue to coach and play for Long Eaton RFC which is sponsored by Goodman Corporate Finance.