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Canada’s most-capped hooker of all-time has been forced into retirement. Just months out from what would have been his international swansong at the Rugby World Cup, Ray Barkwill has confirmed he is stepping away from the field with immediate effect due to a brachial plexus injury sustained during November’s World Cup Repechage competition.
The brachial plexus is a group of nerves that attaches the arm to the spinal cord. An injury to the nerves can cause life-changing damage, as seen recently in the case of Australian international Rob Horne, who suffered a complete avulsion while playing for Northamption Saints which left him without the use of his right arm.
Barkwill’s injury is not as severe but the threat of further injury has left the 38-year-old with no choice but to step away from the game. It’s an untimely end to an extraordinary career for one of Canada’s most popular servants in recent years.
It wasn’t until the age of 32 that the Niagara Falls native would make his test debut. Barkwill would then play in 56 of Canada’s subsequent 61 tests, starting 44 including three at the 2015 World Cup. He would play professionally for the Sacramento Express and Seattle Seawolves along the way.
The full statement as posted on social media can be read below.
