Waldrom retires from rugby
By Mark Stevens
22/10/18
Former Exeter Chiefs and England forward Thomas Waldrom has announced his retirement from the game.
The 35-year-old called time on his career on Sunday, bringing to an end an illustrious playing career which has brought him rich rewards.
Having started his senior career at Wellington back in 2001, it was somewhat fitting that Waldrom ended his playing days at his first club.
Waldrom - affectionally known to rugby fans around the world as 'Tank' - announced news of his retirement following Wellington's 38-17 defeat in the semi-finals of this year's Mitre 10 Cup.
A tweet from the free-scoring No.8 said: "I have made a decision - a hard one at that - but it's time to hang the boots up. A massive thank to @WgtnRugby for letting me come back and finish where it all started. Exciting times ahead to start something new. Big thanks to all the players and coaches, you have all been awesome."
It brings to a close a sparkling senior career for Waldrom, who has made a rugby name for himself both in his native New Zealand and here in England.
As well as featuring in provincial rugby for Wellington and Hawke's Bay, Waldrom played for both the Hurricanes and the Crusaders in Super Rugby before moving to England and a new life in Leicester in 2010.
He spent four years at Welford Road, winning a Premiership title in 2013, as well as five international caps for England.
It was, however, his move to Devon - one which he described as 'one of the best decisions of my life' - that made him a true fans' favourite amongst the Chiefs faithful.
A total of 51 tries in 101 appearances for the club made him arguably one of Rob Baxter's most astute signings and saw him help the Chiefs to reach three successive Premiership finals, the pick of which was Exeter's extra-time win over Wasps in 2017.
His on-field efforts also saw him top the list of leading try-scorers in 2015 and 2016.
On leaving Devon at the end of last season, Waldrom remarked: "The Chiefs will always be a big part of my life and I'll definitely come back and visit in the future. It's a great place to come and play rugby and I would recommend coming here to anyone who asked.
"From the first meeting I had with Rob, talking to him and seeing where the club wanted to go, I knew I made the right decision. Coming down and seeing first hand everything that was here and what the club did, I knew straight away it was the right fit for me and my family.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think the move would go as well as it has, but that's down to the environment here. The coaches, my team-mates, the fans, it's been brilliant and I've loved every minute of it.
"I also wanted to show people why Rob wanted to sign me when I was 30 on a three-year deal. He showed a lot of faith in me at that time and, hopefully, I've helped pay him back a bit over the last few years."
Indeed, Baxter and Exeter were paid back in spades by Waldrom, who will forever be remembered in these parts as being a key figure in the rise of the Chiefs.