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USA Eagles international Brett Thompson has announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 31. The Tempe, Arizona, earned 6 test caps and played in 32 World Sevens Series tournaments. He most recently represented his country at the Tokyo Olympics.
Thompson was a starting winger on the USA u20 side at the 2009 Junior World Trophy. He made his Sevens Series debut in 2012 and in 2014 won his first XVs cap against Canada in the Pacific Nations Cup. Selection then came to the 2015 Rugby World Cup and both the 2013 and 2018 Sevens World Cups.
A statement released on social media reads, in part:
“Following yet another operation, although minor, I have decided to move on from playing professional rugby for at least the short term. My body has been telling me to take a break for awhile now and I’m finally listening.
“I wish I could play rugby forever but unfortunately as the saying goes ‘nature is undefeated.’ Thank you so much to everyone who impacted me throughout this incredible experience. Life is crazy, time to evolve and prepare for new challenges.”
At the professional level Thompson had a spell with Edinburgh cut short by injury in 2014 and played one game for the San Diego Legion in the 2018 Major League Rugby season. His father Salty Thompson has coached several USA age grade sides over the past two decades.
