Rob Hawkins retires from rugby to pursue Police career
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Newcastle Falcons hooker Rob Hawkins is announcing his retirement from rugby at the end of the current season as he pursues a new career with the Police.
The Taunton-born hooker enjoyed successful spells with Bath Rugby (2003-2011) and Leicester Tigers (2011-2014) before joining Newcastle. The 2012-13 Premiership title winner is retiring from the game with over 130 top-flight appearances to his name.
“I’m in a very fortunate position to be able to retire on my own terms and I feel hugely lucky to have spent such a long period in the game. I have enjoyed each and every moment of my career, representing three fantastic clubs, winning trophies and taking the pitch with so many outstanding players along the way.
“I’m now hoping to have a successful career in the Police, I’m currently in the application process and I’m excited about what lies ahead. I would like to thank the Rugby Players’ Association for giving me the opportunity to sit on the players’ board this season as an RPA player rep. I appreciate the work they do and it’s been an incredible insight into the business of the game,” said Hawkins.
Newcastle Falcons’ director of rugby Dean Richards, himself a former Policeman, said: “Rob has been a fantastic professional throughout his time at the club and we were happy to help facilitate his role as a Special Constable with Northumbria Police over the last six months."
The 33-year-old has made 16 senior appearances for the Falcons since joining from Leicester Tigers in 2014, and has been working for the Police on a voluntary part-time basis since November as a Special Constable.
The Taunton-born hooker enjoyed successful spells with Bath Rugby (2003-2011) and Leicester Tigers (2011-2014) before joining Newcastle. The 2012-13 Premiership title winner is retiring from the game with over 130 top-flight appearances to his name.
“I’m in a very fortunate position to be able to retire on my own terms and I feel hugely lucky to have spent such a long period in the game. I have enjoyed each and every moment of my career, representing three fantastic clubs, winning trophies and taking the pitch with so many outstanding players along the way.
“I’m now hoping to have a successful career in the Police, I’m currently in the application process and I’m excited about what lies ahead. I would like to thank the Rugby Players’ Association for giving me the opportunity to sit on the players’ board this season as an RPA player rep. I appreciate the work they do and it’s been an incredible insight into the business of the game,” said Hawkins.
Newcastle Falcons’ director of rugby Dean Richards, himself a former Policeman, said: “Rob has been a fantastic professional throughout his time at the club and we were happy to help facilitate his role as a Special Constable with Northumbria Police over the last six months."
The 33-year-old has made 16 senior appearances for the Falcons since joining from Leicester Tigers in 2014, and has been working for the Police on a voluntary part-time basis since November as a Special Constable.