Olympic medallist Burgess calls time for family

ENGLAND and GB Sevens player Phil Burgess has called time on his rugby career and will not be part of this summer’s Olympics in Tokyo.

Burgess, a key member of the silver medal-winning squad at the Rio Games in 2016, said: “I’ve taken part in the early GB camps and it’s great to have been back with the team. However, the distance from home to Loughborough as well as the camp nature means balancing rugby and family life can be difficult.

“I’ve always prided myself on doing my best in everything I do – on the pitch, in the gym, in analysis sessions, as a husband and as a father.

“I have two young sons. If I decided to carry on with the programme, I feel it would be unfair on everyone, on family because of the time away but also for the team as I wouldn’t be able to be the best that I can.

“I’ve been fortunate to be part of special teams and they are memories I’ll cherish forever.”

The 32-year-old joined Cranleigh School as head of rugby and first XV coach last summer, initially until December 2020 to then concentrate on preparations for the Tokyo Olympics.

He will now return to the school at the start of the next academic year.

Burgess, who played openside for Cornish Pirates before switching to Sevens in 2013, also won silver at the Sevens World Cup in 2018 as well as a bronze at the Commonwealth Games that year. He finishes on 60 Sevens caps (tournament appearances) – 56 World Series, 2 Commonwealth Games, 1 World Cup Sevens and 1 Olympics.

GB Sevens team leader Charlie Hayter said: “Phil has enjoyed a hugely successful career – both in XVs and Sevens. He has always been a major part of any team’s success wherever he has played, and has added value on and off the pitch.

“Phil has been consistently one of the standout players for England and Great Britain. Reaching 60 caps is one thing, but taking home a medal from the Rio Olympics, Sevens World Cup and Commonwealth Games on top is something few people can say.”